Brazilian officials held a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday to discuss the long-anticipated Mercosur trade deal. Brazil’s Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, emphasized the progress made, telling reporters on Monday: “The deal would be very beneficial for both Brazil and the EU,” and added, “We have never been this close to finalizing the agreement.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed urgency in finalizing the deal, warning that further delays could damage the EU’s credibility as a trading partner. “It’s been going on for too long. The way this has been negotiated is not a good example,” Scholz remarked to reporters, according to AFP. Germany strongly backs the agreement, viewing it as critical for revitalizing its export-driven economy, which has been struggling in recent times.
However, time is ticking for French President Emmanuel Macron. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is reportedly aiming to finalize the deal as soon as next month, putting Macron under increased pressure.
Macron is facing a particularly tough challenge at home from French farmers, who staged protests on Monday against the Mercosur deal. The French president has made it clear that he is fighting to protect their interests and has sought to distance himself from the agreement.
After a meeting with Argentine President-elect Javier Milei on Sunday, Macron called the pact with Mercosur nations a “bad deal,” labeling it “harmful to French farmers.” He also expressed doubt that von der Leyen would proceed without France’s backing.
“Ursula von der Leyen greatly respects France’s position. We are simply asking for a fair deal, and we will continue working together to achieve that,” Macron stated.
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