EU-Mercosur trade deal nears approval as Italy drops objections this week

Years of negotiations hang on Rome’s sudden U-turn. Will Friday’s vote unlock a new era of trade between Europe and South America?

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2026 January 7 . 7:04 PM

1 min read

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EU-Mercosur trade deal nears approval as Italy drops objections this week

A long-awaited trade deal between the EU and Mercosur could finally be signed this week. Originally delayed in late 2023, the agreement now hinges on Italy's support. Officials in Rome have signaled they are ready to back the deal, clearing a major hurdle for its approval.

The Mercosur trade agreement was first set for signing in December 2023. However, Italy's objections pushed the timeline back to 2026. Now, with Rome's stance shifting, the deal appears closer than ever.

German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius confirmed the agreement is nearly finalised. Berlin remains optimistic that a signature will come in the next few days. The decisive moment is expected on Friday, when EU members will vote. Italy's approval is crucial for securing the qualified majority needed in the EU. While no single official has been named as the decision-maker, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida have led the negotiations. Their conditional support has become the final piece in moving the deal forward.

If approved, the Mercosur agreement will stand as a key achievement in European trade policy. The deal would open new economic ties between the EU and South America's largest trading bloc. Friday's vote will determine whether years of negotiations finally come to an end.