EU chief pushes to close Mercosur trade deal despite French opposition

The European Union's (EU) efforts to finalize a trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, comprising Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, have been met with mixed reactions. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed optimism about the deal's prospects, stating that the "finish line of the EU-Mercosur agreement is in sight." However, Italian government sources have raised doubts about Rome's willingness to sign the agreement, citing "conditions not in place." The deal has been opposed by France, with President Emmanuel Macron describing it as "unacceptable" due to concerns over agricultural sovereignty. France's domestic turmoil, following Macron's decision to dissolve the National Assembly in June, has arguably diminished its ability to sway the EU's stance on the agreement.