Mercosur is the most important economic and political organization in South America, founded in 1991 to promote free trade and the free movement of people and capital. This block currently includes: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and the newly admitted Boliviamaking it one of the largest raw materials and agricultural powers in the world.
In 2025, the organization arouses particular emotions in Europe due to the finalization of the historic free trade agreement with the European Union, which is to abolish customs barriers, but at the same time triggers numerous protests by farmers fearing competition from Latin American food. This group strives for full economic integration along European lines, constituting a key voice of South American countries in the international arena.
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EU agreement with Mercosur delayed?
“European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU leaders at a summit on Thursday that The partnership agreement with Mercosur will not be signed on Saturday as planned, but will be postponed until next month” – reports “Politico”, citing unofficial reports from two EU diplomats.
From the article we learn that The head of the Italian government, Giorgia Meloni, asked for a postponement of signing to reassure farmers.
See also: Why are farmers afraid of the agreement with Mercosur? “The devil is in the details”
At the same time, it is known that countries supporting the agreement with Mercosur, led by Germany, are pressing for a guarantee of setting a new date for signing the agreement.
According to “Politico”, if the signing of the contract is postponed to 2026, it will be scheduled mid January.
Agreement with Mercosur. How does the media comment on it?
The AFP agency also indicated, citing diplomatic sources, that the conclusion of an agreement planned for this week had been thwarted after Italy joined France in demanding a delay and additional safeguards for the agricultural sector.
See also: For and against the Mercosur agreement. Six things good to know
Reuters previously reported strong pressure from France and Italy, which led to the cancellation of Ursula von der Leyen's planned trip to Brazil.
The postponement of the deadline is primarily due to necessity refining protective mechanisms for European meat and cereal producers and including additional clauses regarding environmental standards (e.g. ban on the use of certain pesticides).
