Italy also approved the trade agreement with Mercosur: following 25 years of negotiations, the world's largest free trade zone has been established, comprising over 700 million people, with the gradual removal of tariffs on 91% of goods, primarily including automobiles, industrial products, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. According to the Commission, this will generate savings of €4 billion for European enterprises. EU exports are predicted to grow by up to 39% (to €49 billion). Italy's support was critical due to the qualified majority (at least 15 EU nations, equivalent to 65% of the EU population), given France, Poland, Hungary, Austria, and Ireland's rejections, as well as Belgium's abstention. Von der Leyen's recent announcement of increased financing for farmers within the upcoming seven-year budget, along with the suspension of climate-related tariffs on fertilizers, also contributed to persuading Italy. “We have safeguarded different interests — those of farmers and industrial momentum", commented Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. "I believe the balance is sustainable, and I hope that the deal will only produce benefits". Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that "at the end of the adjustment period, Italy will gain €14 billion in additional exports. Indeed, the reduction of significant Mercosur tariffs will save EU exporters more than €4 billion in customs taxes each year. Furthermore, exports—considering that Italy maintains a trade surplus with the Mercosur region, amounting to €7.7 billion in exports compared to €6 billion in imports—will be supported by more efficient and simplified customs procedures".