Signing Mercosur deal is now 'imperative', EU Commissioner Hoekstra tells Euronews

Signing off the Mercosur trade deal between the European Union and Latin American countries is "imperative", EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra told Euronews, as political divisions among member states could derail a crucial vote this week.

The deal, more than 20 years in the making, has entered a decisive week, which could see the Mercosur accord finally signed off or have it derailed. Backers, which include the European Commission, Germany and Spain, argue that a failure to stamp the deal would present a setback as the bloc seeks new markets for exports. France is leading an opposition camp and is looking to delay the vote, which could shelve it entirely.

“I am confident that this is a deal that is good for Europeans, that is good for European member states, that it is good for European industry, and the same is true for our counterparts in Latin America,” Hoekstra told Euronews. “Therefore, there is a clear imperative to continue with this deal, to sign it off, and then enjoy the fruits of it.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to travel to Latin America on 20 December to sign the agreement she concluded in 2024 with Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and regional powerhouse economy Brazil. But that can only happen if backers reach a qualified majority which is facing severe hurdles. A diplomat told Euronews the Mercosur deal hangs in the balance and will go to the wire.

European leaders will gather in Brussels for the final European Council gathering of the year on Thursday. The deal, which is highly political and sees competing interests, could be treated on the sidelines by the top political echelons with direct input from leaders.

France, a long-standing opponent, is pushing to delay a vote in the EU Council - a prerequisite for signature. In a fresh setback, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also called on Wednesday morning before the Senate for the vote to be postponed.

Paris has long argued that the agreement fails to adequately protect farmers from unfair competition from Mercosur imports and is demanding a reciprocity clause that would impose EU standards on Mercosur countries. The Commission has introduced new safeguards, but the French government is demanding more.

Meloni, who has kept her cards close to her chest throughout the negotiation but is crucial for both camps, told Italian lawmakers that "signing the agreement in the next days, as it is suggested, would be premature."

Asked if delaying the vote would see the Mercosur collapse altogether, Commissioner Hoekstra said he would not enter speculation about the fate of the deal.

"Let's not get into ifs and what may happen at this stage," he said, adding that his view and that of the European Commission is that the Mercosur would have a positive impact.