This could result in the Danish presidency of the Council falling short of the supermajority needed to finalize the deal. EU rules require a “qualified” majority, meaning support from 15 of the 27 member countries, representing 65 percent of the population.
The vote’s outcome will decide if European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen can proceed, as planned, to Brazil on Dec. 20 for a signing ceremony with Mercosur counterparts.
France, however, has been delaying approval of the accord, which has been over 25 years in development — a strategy some diplomats warn could ultimately jeopardize the trade deal.
They express concerns that further delays could strengthen opposition in the European Parliament or complicate future steps when Paraguay, more skeptical of the agreement, assumes the presidency of the Mercosur bloc.
“If we can’t agree on Mercosur, we don’t need to talk about European sovereignty anymore. We will make ourselves geopolitically irrelevant,” stated a senior EU diplomat.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, are anticipated to meet in Brussels on Thursday for a significant EU summit. Although not officially on the agenda, the trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay is expected to be a major focus. A farmers demonstration is also anticipated in Brussels on the same day.
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