EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Expected to Be Presented Officially "Between Now and July", Says EU Official

The EU-Mercosur trade agreement is expected to be officially unveiled “between now and July”, according to an EU official speaking to Euractiv.

EU agriculture ministers are set to meet next week, but the controversial trade deal remains contested by France and Poland.

The timeline for presenting the final legal text—following six months of legal scrutiny and translation—coincides with the upcoming meeting of EU agriculture ministers on Monday and Tuesday, as well as the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels on Thursday.

European Council President António Costa, during a visit to Brazil last month, expressed optimism that the agreement could be formally ratified by December under Denmark’s presidency of the Council. “That is the goal—to finalize the deal by the end of the year. The expectation is to reach this objective,” Costa stated.

To meet this target, the agreement must be tabled imminently to initiate formal discussions with EU member states and the European Parliament.

Strong Resistance from Key Member States

However, securing swift approval from EU capitals is proving to be an uphill battle for the European Commission. Significant resistance persists, especially from major agricultural players like France and Poland, where the agreement is perceived as a threat to domestic farmers.

French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard revealed on Tuesday that talks are ongoing for an “additional protocol” to the agreement, aimed at including further safeguards for agriculture.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen declined to provide further details when asked about the protocol during a visit to the Ciney livestock market in Belgium on Friday. “I’m not the Commissioner for Trade,” he responded.

Lawmakers Question the Value of the Protocol

Some lawmakers have been more outspoken—though skeptical. “In reality, it changes absolutely nothing,” said Belgian MEP Benoît Cassart (Renew Europe) during the visit, suggesting the main text of the agreement will remain unchanged.