The Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, stated this Wednesday (17) that she considers it “premature” to sign the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union in 2025. According to her, the final text still needs adjustments to guarantee safeguards for the European agricultural sector.
This stance reduces the likelihood of the treaty being formalized during the Mercosur summit, scheduled for next Saturday (20), in Foz do Iguaçu.
The key point is protecting the agricultural sector.
In a hearing at the Chamber of Deputies, Meloni explained that Rome is awaiting the presentation of a "package of additional measures" before approving the text. "It is necessary to wait for the package of additional measures to protect the agricultural sector to be refined and, at the same time, presented and discussed with our farmers," he said.
The head of government, however, expressed confidence regarding the future of the agreement. "I am very confident that, with the start of next year, all these conditions will be met," she stated, indicating that approval could occur in 2026.
Internal resistance in the European Union
To enter into force, the treaty needs the support of at least 15 of the 27 countries of the European Unionrepresenting 65% of the bloc's population. France and Poland have already positioned themselves against the current version of the text and were counting on Italy to prevent its ratification this year.
The Italian government advocates for greater reciprocity in health and labor requirements. Among the sensitive points are... The use of pesticides and antibiotics is permitted in Mercosur but prohibited in the EU.
"We are in favor of the agreement, but we need to see what can and should be corrected in the safeguard clauses for some sectors of the agricultural world," said Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani.
The Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, reinforced the position: "What is imposed on our producers must be guaranteed in the products that arrive."
Brazilian pressure
The day before, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had directly pressed Meloni and Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, about the progress of the negotiations. "I hope they bring the good news that they will sign the agreement and that they will not be afraid of losing competitiveness with the Brazilian people," Lula stated.
