Lula warns EU-Mercosur deal may collapse if not finalized by year-end due to farm import disputes.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned he may abandon the EU-Mercosur trade deal if it isn’t finalized soon, citing delays from France and Italy over agricultural safeguards. The pact, aimed at creating the world’s largest free-trade zone, has faced resistance due to concerns over farm imports, prompting the EU to propose provisional import controls. Despite support from Germany, Spain, and Nordic nations, EU leaders remain divided ahead of a Brussels summit, with Lula stressing the deal must be approved by the end of the year or Brazil will halt future trade negotiations.