Rome, 9 January 2026 - With the Member States' green light to the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries, Europe is making a strategic choice of great farsightedness, completing a 25-year negotiation and creating an integrated market of over 700 million consumers. The agreement consolidates a structured link with some of the world's most dynamic emerging economies and represents a historic step for the competitiveness of European industry and for the strengthening of the continent's geo-economic dimension in a complex and decisive global phase.

After the joint signature expected in the next few days with the Mercosur presidency, currently held by Paraguay, the hope is that the path towards ratification by the European Parliament can proceed swiftly, allowing the agreement to enter into force and unleash its full potential.

«Where there is prosperity and growth there are no wars. Free trade agreements are not technical instruments, but political choices in the highest sense, because they define our role in the world, our ability to affect global value chains and strengthen European economic sovereignty. The agreement with Mercosur is a formidable multiplier of opportunities: not only for exports, but also for new industrial investments, the creation of modern infrastructure and the development of integrated supply chains that enhance European environmental, social and technological standards in an area with high growth potential. A concrete contribution to the digital, energy and environmental transitions, which require scale, investment and open markets,» emphasises Vice-President for Export and Investment Attraction Barbara Cimmino.

The agreement significantly strengthens Europe's global projection, widens and diversifies the outlet markets for European and Italian production, makes access to critical raw materials and minerals more secure, and fosters industrial collaborations in strategic innovation sectors. For Italy, the benefits are particularly relevant: the interchange of goods with the region has already exceeded 13 billion euro and the agreement opens the way to growing surpluses, with over 94% of exports consisting of industrial goods.

The safeguards provided for the most sensitive agricultural sectors, together with targeted tariff quotas and a bilateral safeguard clause, guarantee a robust and effective protection system that combines market openness, competitiveness and protection of production.