France is seeking to delay a vote to ratify the long-negotiated EU–Mercosur trade agreement, arguing it threatens farmers and risks inflaming domestic unrest. The deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay was concluded a year ago after talks dating back to 1999. Supporters say it would open South American markets to European cars, machinery, and wines at a time of US tariffs and rising Chinese competition. Opponents, led by France, warn that cheaper agricultural imports produced under looser standards could undercut European farmers and encourage environmental harm. Protests are intensifying: as many as 10,000 farmers are expected to descend on Brussels as leaders meet. Although the European Commission has proposed safeguards, Paris calls them insufficient and is urging a postponement to secure stronger protections. The timing of the vote coincides with efforts by Sebastien Lecornu’s minority government to secure parliamentary approval for a budget, including suspending Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reform, before the end of 2025. Ursula von der Leyen is due to travel to Brazil on Monday next week to sign the agreement and create the world’s largest free-trade area.