Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that France will "oppose very firmly" any attempts to force a trade deal between the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur. This announcement was made during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, where Macron emphasized France's firm stance on the matter.

According to Anadolu Agency, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon reiterated Macron's position during a weekly briefing. She stated that France would strongly oppose any efforts by European institutions to impose the trade deal. Macron raised concerns about the lack of clarity on specific conditions, including mirror measures, the safeguard clause, and necessary controls.

Bregeon also noted Italy's current opposition to the deal, highlighting that France is not isolated in its stance. She pointed out that major European countries are now aligning with France's position on the matter. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, addressing lawmakers ahead of an EU summit, expressed that Italy will not sign the deal in its present form, describing it as "still premature."

Meloni emphasized the need for additional "reciprocity guarantees" to safeguard European farmers from potential adverse impacts. She conveyed optimism that these conditions could be fulfilled by early next year.