The category’s fear is that the agreement will harm their livelihood, in addition to political concerns that the measure could boost support for the far right.
Farmers blocked streets and launched eggs and fireworks in Brussels, on Wednesday (17), outside the EU leaders’ summit. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons as protesters rallied against the massive free trade agreement with South American nations. The category’s fear is that the agreement will harm their livelihood, in addition to political concerns that the measure could boost support for the far right. Thousands of farmers headed to Place Luxembourg, close to the European Parliament and the place where the leaders of the 27 EU countries are discussing changing the trade pact or postponing its signature.
European resistance grows
Italy signaled its reservations this Wednesday, joining the opposition led by France against the agreement with Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia). Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told Parliament that signing the agreement in the coming days “would be premature”, demanding reciprocal guarantees for the agricultural sector
French President Emmanuel Macron maintained his contrary stance upon arriving at the summit, stating that the agreement “cannot be signed” in its current form and calling for further discussions in January. Macron cited the need for safeguards to avoid economic disruption and demanded tighter environmental restrictions from Mercosur countries. Italy’s opposition would give France enough votes to veto the signature of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who defends the treaty.
The strategic factor
Despite resistance, supporters argue that the agreement – under negotiation for 25 years – would create a market of 780 million people and serve as a strategic counterweight to China’s export policies and US tariffs.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that the EU’s global status would be harmed by a postponement or cancellation. “If the European Union wants to remain credible in global trade policy, decisions must be taken now,” Merz said.
Pressure in South America
The political tension did not change the disposition of South American leaders. President Lula, who seeks to close the agreement next Saturday (20) as a diplomatic achievement, expressed irritation with the positions of France and Italy during a ministerial meeting.
“If we don’t do it now, Brazil won’t make any more agreements while I’m president,” said Lula, adding that the agreement would defend multilateralism over unilateralism. Argentine President Javier Milei also supports the treaty, seeing Mercosur as a “spear” to penetrate global markets, and not just a shield.
Despite the likelihood of postponement, Ursula von der Leyen and the president of the European Council António Costa still maintain their travel schedule to Brazil for Saturday.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
