European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Friday that the EU will move ahead with provisional application of the agreement, arguing that Europe must secure a “strategic first-mover advantage” amid intensifying global trade competition.
What happened: The decision triggered backlash from opponents — notably France — who say it sidesteps both the European Parliament and the ongoing review by the Court of Justice of the EU.
Decoding the news: Rome immediately aligned itself with the Commission, viewing the agreement as a major opportunity to expand exports and strengthen economic ties with Latin America amid slowing global trade.
- Italy’s government views the provisional application less as a legal shortcut and more as a pragmatic response to global geopolitical competition.
- For Italian policymakers, the deal fits into a broader strategy to diversify markets for the Made in Italy and reduce dependence on slower-growing European demand.
What Rome’s saying:
- Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani openly praised the move:
- “Good decision by President von der Leyen to approve the provisional application of the Mercosur agreement. It is a positive boost for our exports, which continue to contribute to Italy’s economic growth.”
- Tajani announced: “I have convened the Trade Task Force on Monday, to brief companies on developments across the Americas.”
- Industry Minister Adolfo Urso also urged rapid implementation:
- “It is important to move quickly because, while waiting for the much more favourable conditions contained in the agreement, exports stall. The sooner it arrives, the better: it will be a major boost for Made in Italy.”
The bottom line: Italy is positioning itself firmly on Von der Leyen’s side, betting that early implementation will give European companies a head start in a strategically important market of more than 700 million people.
