Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says it is too early to sign the EU-Mercosur trade pact, citing unfinished safeguards for farmers, but is confident a deal can be reached in early 2026.
ROME: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Wednesday that it was “premature” for Italy to sign a vast trade deal between the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur in the coming days.
She told parliament that some of the safeguards Italy wants to protect its farmers have not yet been fully finalised.
Meloni said she was nonetheless “very confident” the conditions could be in place to sign the agreement at the start of 2026.
The European Commission, backed by Germany, aims to secure EU member state backing for the deal with Mercosur—comprising Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay—before the year’s end.
The pact would create the world’s largest free-trade area, boosting EU exports of vehicles, machinery, wines and spirits to Latin America.
It would also ease the entry of South American beef, sugar, rice, honey and soybeans into Europe.
While countries like Spain are pushing for quick approval, others including France have voiced concerns for their agricultural sectors and want a delay until 2026.
In her address ahead of a European Council meeting, Meloni said Italy has “worked intensively with the Commission” on its demands.
These include safeguard mechanisms, a compensation fund, and stronger pest and disease regulations.
“All of these measures, although presented, have not yet been fully finalised,” she said.
Meloni clarified that this “does not mean that Italy intends to block or oppose the agreement as a whole.”
“I am very confident that by the beginning of next year, all these conditions can be met,” she added.
