France Stands Alone in Opposing EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement Amid Domestic Pressures

On January 9, 2026, France confirmed its opposition to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement by voting against it at the EU Council meeting in Brussels. This marks a significant moment of political isolation for France within the European Union, as the treaty proceeded with broad EU support despite French resistance.

The agreement, finalized in December 2024 after 25 years of negotiations, aims to establish a free trade area between the EU and the Mercosur countries—Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—potentially benefiting roughly 700 million consumers. However, French President Emmanuel Macron articulated strong opposition, describing the pact as "an agreement from another age" and acknowledging the lack of internal political support for it.

French opposition largely stems from domestic agricultural concerns. French farmers, especially those aligned with the Coordination rurale union, fear the treaty will expose local agriculture to competition from cheaper imports that may not meet EU environmental or quality standards. Despite concessions from the European Commission—including enhanced market monitoring and financial support measures for farmers—these have not alleviated French apprehensions.

Other EU member states such as Austria, Hungary, Poland, and Ireland also opposed the treaty but lack the numbers to block it. France’s vote against the treaty is notable as it is the first instance where France finds itself in the minority within the EU Council on this issue, signaling a political challenge for Macron.

Beyond the vote, France is considering legally challenging the treaty’s ratification through the Court of Justice of the European Union, questioning whether the European Commission’s procedural approach aligns with EU law.

The vote was conducted under a written procedure, enabling a swift decision in favor of the agreement. Macron emphasized the need for a safeguard clause to protect French agriculture but faces the reality of being potentially diplomatically isolated over this issue within the EU.

France’s stance highlights the tension between domestic political pressures and broader EU trade policy ambitions, underscoring a precarious position for the French government both at home and within the EU framework.