France Seeks Delay on EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement Amidst Rising Agricultural Protests

The French government, led by President Emmanuel Macron, has officially requested a postponement of the European Union's scheduled vote on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, citing significant concerns over its impact on the French agricultural sector. This delay request was made public on Sunday evening, December 14, 2025, as France voiced that the current terms "do not adequately protect French farmers" and that "the account is not there to protect French farmers," according to statements reported by Le Figaro.

The agreement, which involves South American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay, aims to boost European exports, including vehicles, machinery, wines, and spirits. However, it also facilitates the increased import of South American products like meat, sugar, rice, honey, and soybeans into Europe, which has sparked alarm and strong opposition among French farmers and agricultural unions. The agricultural community's discontent is intensifying, with protests ongoing in regions such as the Southwest of France where farmers have been vocally awaiting discussions with the Agriculture Minister.

French agricultural unions and much of the political class have criticized the free trade deal, warning about the negative consequences it may have on local farming livelihoods and the rural economy. Liberation reports that the free trade agreement is seen as "the other crisis in the line of sight" for French agriculture, signaling escalating tensions amid the approaching legislative processes set to address the agreement in Brussels.

In this context, the French government's demand for the postponement is a strategic move to seek better terms that safeguard national agricultural interests and respond to the growing protests from the farming community. As the EU deliberations are delayed, farmers and political stakeholders are bracing for further negotiations and potential revisions to the agreement's provisions.