Overview
- France formally requested postponement of the Council vote, saying it will not back the deal until robust safeguards, mirror production standards and operational import controls are in place.
- The European Parliament approved tougher farmer protections by 431–161, lowering investigation thresholds to 5% and adding a reciprocity requirement for Mercosur producers.
- The Council has not scheduled the vote, and it is unclear whether a qualified majority can be reached, with diplomats and lawmakers pointing to Italy’s position as pivotal.
- Protests by farmers have intensified, with road blockades across France and thousands planning to rally in Brussels during this week’s EU leaders’ summit.
- EU officials warn the agreement could collapse if it is not signed this year, even as the Commission highlights new border checks and a tariff‑reversion safeguard to address import surges.