Following the Brussels summit postponement announced by Ursula von der Leyen, the EU now targets January 12 in Paraguay for initialing the Mercosur trade pact amid ongoing French and European farmer protests. France's Macron pushes for stronger safeguards, while Paraguay urges haste and Germany anticipates quick resolution.
The postponement, confirmed Thursday after the EU summit failed to secure a qualified majority due to France and Italy's opposition (with Hungary and Poland), shifts the signing from December 20 in Brazil's Foz do Iguaçu. European sources now point to January 12 in Paraguay, with von der Leyen expressing confidence in a swift outcome.
Paraguay's Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez warned that 'deadlines are not infinite.' Germany's government views the deal as 'acquired' within weeks. Macron celebrated the delay, demanding 'robust safeguard clauses, reciprocity with mirror clauses, and effective import controls.'
Protests continue: French farmers maintain 93 blockades on routes like A63 and A64, fueled by resentment over slow progress, per FNSEA's Arnaud Rousseau. Officials urge restraint ahead of Christmas. Unions see a 'glimmer of hope' but sustain pressure against the deal's perceived threats to meat, sugar, and soy sectors from Mercosur's laxer standards.
The long-negotiated pact promises market access but faces ratification in 2026 after addressing agricultural concerns.