During the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the urgency for the European Union to conclude its long-standing trade negotiations with the South American Mercosur bloc. Scholz's call for action contrasts with French President Emmanuel Macron's efforts to postpone the deal, citing concerns over its impact on French agriculture.
Brazilian representatives, including Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Carlos Fávaro, expressed optimism about the agreement's benefits for both Brazil and the EU, highlighting the proximity to a resolution. Scholz criticized the protracted negotiation process, advocating for the deal as a vital enhancement for the EU's trading stature and Germany's export-oriented economy.
Amidst Macron's attempts to garner support from Argentina's President Javier Milei to impede the deal, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to advance towards finalizing the agreement, potentially as soon as the following month. Macron, facing domestic opposition from French farmers, has labeled the deal detrimental and assured that von der Leyen would not proceed without France's endorsement, seeking a "fair deal."
Source: POLITICO