France Opposes EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Amid Political and Agricultural Turmoil

On January 9, 2026, the European Union formally approved the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, marking a historic milestone after more than 26 years of negotiations. Despite the EU's qualified majority endorsement covering 21 countries and representing 68.7% of the EU population, France firmly opposed the deal alongside Poland, Hungary, Austria, and Ireland. Belgium abstained due to regional divisions, while the Netherlands supported the treaty despite internal parliamentary splits.

French President Emmanuel Macron publicly expressed his opposition by voting against the agreement but remains hopeful that the European Parliament or the Court of Justice of the EU might reject it later on. Macron stated, “Ce n’est pas la fin de l’histoire,” underscoring continuing resistance to the agreement.

Domestically, the approval has intensified tensions within France, especially among agricultural sectors. Farmers have been protesting vigorously, concerned about the impact of the deal on French food sovereignty and agriculture. In response, political opposition across the spectrum has rallied to delay the agreement’s implementation. Bruno Retailleau, president of the Republicans, sharply criticized Macron for what he described as inconsistency on the Mercosur issue. Retailleau warned that the real battle to protect French food sovereignty will shift to the European Parliament, threatening a motion of censure against the government if the treaty proceeds without accommodations.

Amidst this turmoil, the European Commission is contemplating implementation of the agreement without waiting for parliamentary ratification, raising further unease. The trade accord aims to establish a free trade area encompassing over 700 million consumers, with gradual tariff eliminations over 15 years, including removal of tariffs on 91% of EU exports like automobiles and wine, balanced by elimination of tariffs on 92% of Mercosur exports.

This political and agricultural unrest highlights deep national concerns about sovereignty and economic impacts of liberalized trade with South America. Domestic debates continue as France navigates internal pressures and its role within the EU amid this landmark agreement’s advancement.