EU Scrambles to Secure Italy’s Support for Mercosur Trade Deal Amid Growing Opposition

The European Union and Germany are making an urgent push to persuade Italy to support a long-delayed free trade agreement with South America’s Mercosur bloc, warning the deal could collapse if it is not signed soon. The pact, negotiated over 25 years, would be the EU’s largest trade agreement in terms of tariff reductions, but faces resistance from several member states, according to a senior EU lawmaker.

While Germany, Spain and Nordic countries back the agreement, arguing it would boost exports hit by U.S. tariffs and reduce reliance on China for key raw materials, opposition is mounting elsewhere. France and Poland have raised strong objections, citing concerns that cheap agricultural imports—particularly beef—could harm European farmers. With Poland firmly opposed and France seeking delays, attention has shifted to Italy as the decisive swing vote.

European Parliament trade committee chair Bernd Lange said the deal would fail without Italy’s backing, noting high-level talks involving Italy’s prime minister, Germany’s chancellor and the European Commission president. Although Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hopes to sign the deal in Brazil this weekend, approval from EU governments is still required. Lawmakers warn that if the agreement is not finalised this year, Mercosur countries may abandon negotiations and seek partnerships elsewhere.

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