欧盟推迟签署贸易协定，卢拉敲打：拖了26年，如果领导人缺乏勇气就别想谈成

Core Viewpoint - The European Union (EU) is increasingly focused on establishing a free trade agreement with the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) after facing challenges from U.S. tariff policies, but internal divisions within the EU have delayed this effort [1][2][3]. Group 1: Trade Agreement Status - The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was scheduled to sign the trade agreement with Mercosur on December 20, but opposition from countries like Italy has postponed the process [3][5]. - The EU and Mercosur have been negotiating this trade agreement for over 25 years, causing frustration among South American nations, with Brazilian President Lula stating that a deal must be reached now or it will never happen [3][5]. - If the agreement is finalized, it could create a market of 780 million consumers and gradually eliminate tariffs on various goods, benefiting both regions economically [5][6]. Group 2: Economic Implications - Bloomberg Economics estimates that if the agreement is reached, it could contribute 0.7% economic growth for Mercosur and 0.1% for Europe by 2040 [5]. - The EU aims to establish economic ties outside of the U.S. and China, seeking geopolitical advantages through this transatlantic agreement [5][7]. Group 3: Internal EU Challenges - The EU has struggled to secure the necessary majority support for the agreement, with countries like France and Poland opposing it due to concerns over the impact on European farmers [8][9]. - Protests from thousands of farmers in Brussels highlight the internal resistance to the agreement, with significant pressure on EU leaders to reconsider [8][9]. - The fate of the agreement may hinge on Italy's position, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has indicated the need for more time to gain domestic approval [9][10]. Group 4: Competitor Dynamics - As the EU struggles to finalize the agreement, competitors like Japan and the UK are eyeing the South American market and its resources, indicating a potential shift in trade alliances [12][13]. - Mercosur is also pursuing trade agreements with other partners, including the EFTA and countries like the UAE and Canada, which could further complicate the EU's position [12].