Rome was reportedly swayed by a proposal from the European Commission to front-load €45 billion in financial support for farmers affected by the deal. The Commission is now seeking backing from at least 15 EU member states representing 65% of the bloc’s population, the threshold required for approval under EU voting rules. The agreement, which would create one of the world’s largest free-trade areas between the EU and the Mercosur countries, has faced sustained opposition from farmers across Europe. Agricultural groups argue that the deal would expose them to increased competition from cheaper South American imports produced under less stringent environmental and animal-welfare standards.