Italy’s silence on the Mercosur trade pact is deafening - and potentially decisive. Rome could become the kingmaker between supporters of the deal and countries seeking to block it.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to fly to Brazil on December 20 to sign off the agreement. France, facing farmer anger over fears of unfair competition from Latin America, opposes the deal and wants to postpone the EU member states vote scheduled this week to allow the signature.
