Mercosur: France now considers ratifying the trade agreement

Brussels – Mercosur, why not? France is considering the possibility of supporting, or even embracing, the free trade agreement reached between the European Union and Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). French President Emmanuel Macron said he was “quite positive” about the possibility of ratifying the agreement, thus paving the way for the new European-South American trade alliance.

The French leader made the remarks on the occasion of his trip to Belém, Brazil, where the World Climate Conference (COP30) is underway. It was here, on the sidelines of the leaders’ work, that Macron dropped some of the resistance to an agreement that has been subject to criticism since its announcement. The French President hints that his green light is no longer impossible, but still contingent upon reassurances and guarantees that he believes he has found. 

“The Commission listened to us​, and not only gave us a positive response regarding the safeguard clauses, but also expressed its willingness to provide support, in particular to the livestock sector, and to strengthen the protections for our internal market by reinforcing our customs union,” he told the press. There is also reassurance from Brussels that it is working to press for these clauses to be accepted. If this is the case, then France could give its blessing, making the approval and ratification process easier—but still anything but simple or a foregone conclusion.

Macron’s change of approach marks a new chapter in the history of the free trade agreement. From the outset, France had criticized the EU-Mercosur deal, citing risks for its agricultural sector and the potential for unequal treatment and regulatory disparities compared with primary producers in the South American countries. Now, with the introduction of the changes, Macron opens up. However, he wanted to make it clear:  “I remain vigilant because I also defend French interests.”​

Macron’s openings are certainly good news for the European Commission, which has put so much effort into closing this trade deal and which sees Mercosur as a strategic geopolitical tool for putting the green and digital sustainability agenda into practice, as well as for responding to new global uncertainties — first and foremost the renewed US policies under Donald Trump.