ISTANBUL 

French President Emmanuel Macron said at a Wednesday Cabinet meeting that France would “oppose very firmly” a trade deal between the EU and the South American bloc Mercosur if it were forced through.

Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said at a weekly briefing that Macron had warned Paris would oppose the deal “very firmly” if there were “any attempt by European institutions to force the issue.”

Macron reportedly argued that there is “insufficient clarity" on requested conditions such as “mirror measures, the safeguard clause, and controls."

The spokesperson added that Italy’s announced opposition to the deal for now was “proof” that France is “not alone,” with “major European countries” now aligned with its position.

Speaking to Italian lawmakers ahead of an EU summit, Giorgia Meloni said Wednesday that Italy would not sign the deal in its current form, saying it was “still premature.”

Meloni stressed that the agreement requires additional "reciprocity guarantees" to protect European farmers from potentially damaging effects. She expressed confidence that these conditions could be met early next year.