To move forward with the treaty, which would establish one of the world's largest free trade areas, the European Commission requires a qualified double majority. This means securing the vote of at least 15 out of 27 countries, representing 65% of the EU population.
The safeguards, agreed upon by the European Parliament and the Council in December, strengthen the market surveillance mechanism to address a potential increase in imports of «sensitive» Mercosur products, such as chicken, beef, eggs, sugar, and citrus fruits. Should an alarm be raised, the Executive must take measures that could lead to the temporary suspension of the trade advantages.
“"There are still questions about the safeguards."
Although Italy appears to have tipped the balance in favor, with Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida stating the agreement represents «an opportunity», countries like France, Poland, and Hungary continue to oppose it. The spokesperson for the French Government, Maud Bregeon, stated that the text «is still not acceptable».
The President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, had to cancel her trip to Brazil in December to officialize the signing due to the emergency brake pulled by leaders including those from France and Italy. She now plans to travel to Paraguay, which holds the rotating presidency of the bloc, to seal the pact next week.
