France Requests Delay and Safeguard Conditions for EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement

On December 14, 2025, President Emmanuel Macron formally asked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to postpone the examination of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. France argues the conditions for signing the agreement have not been met, primarily due to insufficient protections for its farmers and agricultural sectors. The French government is demanding safeguard clauses to shield French agriculture from market disruption and to ensure imported products comply with strict environmental standards.

The European Commission initially planned to sign the agreement at the Mercosur summit scheduled for December 20 in Brazil. However, France emphasizes that the prerequisites for a vote by European states are currently lacking. Ahead of a European Parliament vote on December 16 concerning safeguard measures, France insists such protections are essential before any agreement can proceed.

In September, the European Commission introduced a strengthened monitoring mechanism for agricultural products affected by the treaty, aiming to intervene if market stability is threatened. With the potential agreement, the EU and Mercosur would form a common market of 722 million people.

Additionally, French farmers remain discontented not only with the trade deal but also the handling of contagious nodular dermatitis affecting livestock. Macron is reported to be actively supporting farmers through this crisis. The French government’s stance illustrates strong protectionist demands amid broader negotiations for the trade agreement.