Not sealing EU-Mercosur deal would be 'frustrating': Spain PM

Brussels, Belgium, Dec 18, 2025 (AFP)
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday said an EU failure to seal a landmark trade deal with South America's Mercosur this week would be "very frustrating" as France and Italy pushed for a delay.
The European Commission had expected member states to approve the agreement, which would create the world's largest free-trade area, before EU chief Ursula von der Leyen travels to Brazil on Saturday to sign it.
The EU is attempting to diversify trade and diplomatic ties in the face of US President Donald Trump's tariffs and fierce Chinese competition.
But heavyweights France and Italy are leading a drive to postpone the signing, notably over concerns for the politically sensitive agriculture sector, with thousands of farmers descending on Brussels to protest on Thursday.
The Mercosur deal was needed "so that Europe gains geoeconomic and geopolitical weight at a time when it is being challenged" by Russia and the United States, Sanchez told reporters in Brussels before a summit of EU leaders.
"I think it would be very frustrating if Europe didn't reach an agreement with Mercosur," after the European Parliament approved extra safeguards for agriculture, Sanchez added.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned on Wednesday that it was now or never to get the deal over the line.
The pact, backed by Germany, Spain and the Nordic countries, would allow the EU to export more vehicles, machinery, wines and spirits to the bloc comprising Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.
In return, the Mercosur countries could export more South American beef, sugar, rice, honey and soybeans into Europe.

Sumber : AFP