ISTANBUL

France’s National Assembly on Thursday adopted a near-unanimous resolution calling on the government to oppose the long-delayed EU-Mercosur trade agreement, just weeks before decisive votes are expected at the European level.

The non-binding motion, moved by the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI), passed with 244 votes in favor and only one against, reflecting broad cross-party skepticism toward the pact between the EU and the South American bloc of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The resolution urges the French government to form a blocking minority within the EU Council and take the case to the European Court of Justice if necessary, BFM TV reported.

The vote comes ahead of a push by the European Commission to secure member-state approval before the December 20 Mercosur summit.

The agreement, 25 years in the making, is strongly backed by Germany and Spain, which argue that it would boost European exporters at a time when the EU is struggling with weak growth and rising global competition.

Supporters view it as a tool for diversifying trade partners in the face of escalating tariff pressure from US President Donald Trump.

But opposition from European farmers has intensified, with unions warning that the deal threatens sectors such as beef, poultry, and sugar by opening the door to cheaper imports produced under looser environmental and health regulations.

Despite the parliamentary vote, France has struggled to rally enough partners to block the agreement in Brussels. Paris insists the current text remains “unacceptable,” even after the European Commission introduced safeguard measures.

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said France continues to demand strict “mirror clauses” ensuring pesticides banned in the EU are also prohibited in imported goods, along with reinforced checks to verify compliance with European standards.

If EU governments endorse the deal in December, the agreement will then move to the European Parliament, where the vote is expected to be tight.

Roughly 150 MEPs have already called for the pact to be referred to the EU Court of Justice over environmental and legal concerns.