The signature of the contentious Mercosur agreement has been postponed to January due to negotiations among EU member states, frustrating supporters like Germany and Spain. France and Italy are pushing for stronger farmer protections, while Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had hoped for a signing ceremony on December 20. Brazilian President Lula Inácio Lula da Silva and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussed the deal, with Meloni emphasizing the need for assurances for Italian farmers. The agreement aims to create a free-trade area between the EU and Mercosur countries, but European farmers fear unfair competition. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)