Will France Block the EU-Mercosur Deal’s Ratification in the EU Council by July 31, 2026?

France leads fierce opposition to the EU-Mercosur trade deal, demanding veto power via unanimous ratification (requiring all 27 EU states' approval) rather than a qualified majority vote 313. Key stakes: Farmer Protests: French agricultural unions (FNSEA, JA) warn of "agricultural revolt" over 99,000 tons of South American beef entering the EU at 7.5% tariffs, undercutting local farmers facing stricter environmental rules 35. Legal Gambit: France insists the deal is a "mixed agreement" touching national sovereignty, forcing full parliamentary ratification in all EU states. The Commission aims to split it into "EU-only" trade portions to bypass this. Blocking Minority Bid: France needs 4+ states representing >35% of the EU population (e.g., Poland, Austria, Ireland) to veto the deal. Germany, Spain, and Italy support ratification. Deadline Pressure: Mercosur’s patience is waning; Brazil’s President Lula demands signing by end 2025. The EU Commission delayed submitting the text in June 2025 amid French pressure 103. *Admin resolves via EU Council voting records or French govt. statements; YES = ratification halted by France’s coalition by 7/31/2026*