Archive · 19 Dec 2025
EU Leaders Clash Over Mercosur Trade Pact
Some countries in Europe, like Germany and Spain, want to make a big trade deal with South America.
This deal, called Mercosur, would make it easier for countries to trade things like food and minerals.
But other countries, like France, don't want to do it yet because they're worried it will hurt their farmers.
Farmers in Belgium even protested and had a big fight with the police.
The leader of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, wants to sign the deal, but she needs more countries to agree with her.
Germany, Spain, and Nordic countries support the EU-Mercosur trade pact to boost exports and reduce dependence on China.
French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron insists the pact is not ready, citing concerns about cheap imports affecting European farmers.
Protests by 7,000 farmers in Brussels turned violent, with police using tear gas and water cannons.
EU lawmakers reached a provisional agreement on safeguards to cap imports of sensitive farm products, but France and other countries remain opposed.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to travel to Brazil to sign the agreement, but needs support from 15 EU governments representing 65% of the EU's population.
- Who
- EU leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron, as well as farmers protesting the pact.
- What
- A contentious free trade pact between the EU and the South American bloc Mercosur.
- When
- The discussions and protests occurred on December 18.
- Where
- The events took place in Brussels, Belgium, during a Ukraine-focused summit.
- Why
- The pact aims to boost EU exports and reduce dependence on China, but faces opposition due to concerns about cheap imports affecting European farmers.
- Countries Supporting Pact
- Germany, Spain, Nordic countries
- Countries Opposing Pact
- France, Poland, Hungary, Italy
- Protest Size
- 7,000 farmers
- Authorized Tractors
- 50
- Actual Tractors
- 1,000
- EU's Largest Agricultural Producer
- France
- EU Commission President
- Ursula von der Leyen
- Required Majority for Pact
- 15 countries representing 65% of EU population
