The European Union is postponing the signing of a free trade deal with four Mercosur countries until January, an EU official said on Thursday.
The agreement between the EU and Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, which has been in the making for over 25 years, was scheduled to be signed at a summit in Brazil on Saturday.
The controversial free trade deal is intended to boost trade between the economic blocs, but is viewed critically by some major EU countries including France, Poland and Italy.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, however, said that her government would be ready to back to deal as soon as the European Commission delivers more reassurances to farmers.
Italy's support is required to reach the necessary majority of at least 15 of the EU's 27 states, representing 65% of the bloc's population, backing the deal and to pave the way for its signing.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
How a rare drug made from scientists' blood saves babies from botulism - 2Yoshi mania, Happy Meals and not-so-great reviews: A small talk guide to 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie'
- 3Solar storms can trigger auroras on Earth. This star’s explosion could destroy a planet’s atmosphere
- 4The 10 Most Compelling Forerunners in Innovation
- 5Taylor Swift changes 2 song lyrics on 'Reputation' on the night of her Eras tour documentary premiere
- 7 Countries Where You Can Buy a Home for Under $100,000
- Iran war drives global fertilizer prices up, raising food cost fears
- IDF says up to 90% of Iran’s weapons industry could be hit within days
- 41 Young Men Die in South Africa After Circumcision Initiation
- Exploring ways to reduce the impact of space junk on Earth
- Russia Creates New Military Branch Dedicated To Drone Warfare
- One-third of asylum applications by Iranians approved in Germany
- The most effective method to Amplify Your Opportunity for growth in a Web-based Degree Program
- Astronauts beam home Christmas wishes from International Space Station: 'I think we may be orbiting a little higher than Santa' (video)
