Von der Leyen says EU must reduce overdependencies
Speaking ahead of an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels, von der Leyen placed the Mercosur debate within a wider conversation about economic resilience, exposure to risk and long-term competitiveness, according to statements made before the summit.
"We have to get rid of our overdependencies," she said, stressing that the solution lies in building a broad and robust web of free trade agreements.
She portrayed the Mercosur grouping as a significant opportunity, describing it as "potentially a market of 700 million consumers" consisting of "like-minded countries that want free trade together." She added that finalizing the deal carried "enormous importance" for the bloc, particularly in terms of securing political backing and concluding the approval process.
Her remarks came as resistance to the agreement intensifies within the EU, with several member states voicing strong objections.
According to reports, French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned during a Cabinet meeting that France would "oppose very firmly" any effort to push the agreement through at the EU level.
As stated by officials, Macron pointed to a lack of clarity on critical elements of the deal, including mirror clauses, protective safeguards and enforcement mechanisms.
Italy has also taken a cautious stance. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told lawmakers that Rome could not endorse the agreement in its current state, labeling it "still premature."
She emphasized the need for stronger "reciprocity guarantees" to shield European farmers from unfair competition, while suggesting that workable compromises could emerge early next year.
Meanwhile, Germany and Spain continue to rank among the agreement’s most vocal supporters, arguing that it would strengthen European exports at a time of sluggish economic growth and mounting global competition. Supporters also view Mercosur as a strategic option to broaden trade ties as tariff-related pressures from the United States increase under President Donald Trump.
At the same time, opposition from agricultural groups across Europe has escalated. Farming unions warn that the agreement could negatively affect industries such as beef, poultry and sugar by opening the door to lower-cost imports produced under less stringent environmental and health regulations.
According to reports, thousands of farmers are expected to join a major demonstration in Brussels on Thursday, coinciding with the gathering of EU leaders for the summit.
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