The European Union is postponing the signing of a free trade deal with four Mercosur countries until January, an EU official said on Thursday.
The agreement between the EU and Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, which has been in the making for over 25 years, was scheduled to be signed at a summit in Brazil on Saturday.
The controversial free trade deal is intended to boost trade between the economic blocs, but is viewed critically by some major EU countries including France, Poland and Italy.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, however, said that her government would be ready to back to deal as soon as the European Commission delivers more reassurances to farmers.
Italy's support is required to reach the necessary majority of at least 15 of the EU's 27 states, representing 65% of the bloc's population, backing the deal and to pave the way for its signing.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Nick Reiner's defense attorney asks to be replaced, again delaying arraignment in connection with the stabbing deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner - 2'The Drama' plot twist, explained: What did Zendaya's character do, and what happens to her wedding?
- 32025 Yachting Editors' Choice Awards: Yachts
- 4I watched the buzzy new AI documentary — and left feeling both hopeful and terrified
- 5Climate leaders are talking about 'overshoot' into warming danger zone. Here's what it means
- Addressing sleep apnea early might decrease chances of developing Parkinson's disease
- Vote In favor of Your Favored Cereal
- What you need to know about desalination, a growing source of drinking water
- Thousands of ultra-orthodox protest in Jerusalem against conscription
- Exploring the Gig Economy: Illustrations from Consultants
- Top notch Remote Earphones for Audiophiles
- Doggie diversity in size and shape began at least 11,000 years ago
- NASA's Artemis 2 astronauts are cruising to the moon. So why are they doing CPR tests today?
- US healthcare spending soars to over $5 trillion in 2024
