Ursula von der Leyen is pressing to initial an EU–Mercosur trade agreement at a summit in Brazil even as opposition from member states and farm unions grows and threatens to delay or reshape the pact.France has formally asked the Commission to postpone member state approval, citing inadequate safeguards for farmers and environmental standards, and Emmanuel Macron personally urged a delay, warning that imports of meat, soy and other goods would hurt domestic producers.Italy has kept an ambiguous stance that has made it pivotal, with Giorgia Meloni balancing farmer demands led by Coldiretti against industry pressures from Confindustria, while the Commission says the deal is crucial and aims to take the agreement to signature and eventual European Parliament ratification, probably in early 2026.