Brazil’s Lula Hopes EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Will Be Signed in January

On December 18, 2025, in Brazil, President Lula da Silva inaugurates the model of the Sao Francisco River transposition project and uses virtual reality glasses. The inauguration is attended by Hugo Motta, President of the Chamber of Deputies. (Photo by Ton Molina/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s President Lula da Silva hopes the Mercosur-EU free-trade deal will be signed in January, after it was delayed on Friday. Protests by European farmers and opposition from France and Italy have threatened the agreement, which has been in negotiation for over 26 years. EU officials had hoped to sign the deal in Brazil this weekend, but European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Friday the signature will be delayed a few weeks to address issues with member states. Lula said the delay was due to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni requesting more time. The trade deal would cover a market of 780 million people.