BRUSSELS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday she remained confident the European Union (EU) could sign a free trade agreement with South American bloc Mercosur in January, even after the plan was delayed at an EU summit where support fell short.
Von der Leyen was supposed to Brazil on Saturday for a signing ceremony, but the trip was contingent on securing a broad majority among EU member states. Italy asked for more time, leaving the Commission without enough backing to proceed.
"This evening, we have achieved a breakthrough to pave the way for a successful completion of the agreement in January. We need a few extra weeks to address some issues with member states," von der Leyen said.
She argued the timing was important as trade tensions intensify globally. "In a year dominated by news of rising tariffs and new trade restrictions, the positive impact of this pact matters, not just for our two regions, but for the global economy," she said.
Von der Leyen also sought to reassure sceptical capitals and farming lobbies. "With additional checks and safeguards, we have built in all necessary protections for our farmers and our consumers," she said.
Critics led by France and Italy warn the pact could open the door to a surge of cheaper commodities that would undercut European farmers. The European summit that began on Thursday triggered a protest of thousands of farmers, which later turned violent after protesters threw potatoes and rocks and smashed windows within a stone's throw of the European Parliament and the Europa Building, prompting Belgian police to use tear gas and water cannon.
Initiated more than 20 years ago, the deal reached an agreement in principle in 2019, with negotiations finalized in 2024. In terms of tariff cuts, the deal would be the EU's largest trade deal.
Procedurally, the deal required approval under qualified majority voting by EU governments, at least 15 member states representing 65 percent of the bloc's population. But with Italy's position pivotal, it failed to reach the required threshold. ■