EU must cut overdependencies to stay competitive, von der Leyen says amid Mercosur divisions
This can only be achieved through strong network of free trade agreements, European Commission chief says
BRUSSELS
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday said that the EU must reduce its overdependencies to safeguard its global competitiveness, underlining the strategic importance of free trade agreements such as Mercosur, as divisions among member states over the deal sharpened.
Speaking at a doorstep ahead of the European Council summit in Brussels, von der Leyen framed the debate on Mercosur within a broader discussion on economics, vulnerabilities and competitiveness.
"We have to get rid of our overdependencies," she said, arguing that this can only be achieved through a strong network of free trade agreements.
Von der Leyen described the Mercosur bloc as "potentially a market of 700 million consumers" made up of "like-minded countries that want free trade together," saying it was of "enormous importance" for the EU to secure political approval and complete the signing process.
Her remarks came as opposition to the deal hardened in several EU countries, led by France and Italy.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday that Paris would "oppose very firmly" any attempt to force the deal through at EU level.
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said Macron cited "insufficient clarity" on key conditions, including so-called mirror measures, safeguard clauses and controls.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also signaled resistance, telling lawmakers that Rome would not sign the agreement in its current form, calling it "still premature."
She said additional "reciprocity guarantees" were needed to protect European farmers from unfair competition, while expressing confidence that solutions could be found early next year.
Germany and Spain remain among the strongest supporters of the deal, arguing that it would boost European exporters at a time of weak growth and intensifying global competition. Backers also see Mercosur as a way to diversify trade partnerships amid rising tariff pressures from the US under President Donald Trump.
However, opposition from farmers across Europe has intensified, with agricultural unions warning that the agreement could harm sectors such as beef, poultry and sugar by allowing cheaper imports produced under looser environmental and health standards.
Thousands of farmers are expected to take part in a large protest in Brussels on Thursday, as EU leaders gather for the summit.
