Meloni Cautions Against Premature EU-Mercosur Deal

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni advised against the EU signing a trade deal with Mercosur, citing a need for reciprocity guarantees in agriculture. While conditions might be met early next year, EU President Ursula von der Leyen's expected visit to Brazil for the accord signing is postponed.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed caution against the European Union finalizing a trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, which comprises several Latin American countries, deeming it "premature." Addressing the Italian parliament ahead of an EU summit, Meloni emphasized the necessity for reciprocity guarantees, particularly affecting the agricultural sector.

Meloni noted optimism that conditions to finalize the trade deal might be fulfilled by early next year. The agreement, brokered after a lengthy 25-year negotiation with Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, was nearing culmination with a visit from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expected this week.

However, due to these additional requirements and Meloni's warnings, the visit and potential signing in Brazil have been postponed. The implications of these concerns underscore the complexities of international trade negotiations and the balance required in securing equitable terms for participating sectors.