Several industry associations have called for the postponement free trade agreement between the EU and four South American Mercosur states. “The renewed postponement is a setback for Europe’s credibility as a geostrategic actor,” said Tanja Gönner, managing director of the Federation of German Industries (BDI). The Association of the Automotive Industry also viewed the approach as a setback and a bad sign.

Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay and the EU actually wanted to sign the agreement at the weekend. However, the EU needed a so-called qualified majority of all member states to sign, but this could not be achieved. Poland, France and Italy are currently still hesitant. There should be a new date in the first half of January.

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