The European Union's executive arm proposed Tuesday to give farmers early access to some €45 billion as it looks to diffuse anger over a vast trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur, which Brussels hopes to sign next week.

In a push to get the deal over the line, EU agriculture ministers will discuss the agreement on Wednesday. France and Italy have called for tougher safeguard clauses.

The European Union's executive arm proposed Tuesday to give farmers early access to some €45 billion as it looks to diffuse anger over a vast trade deal with South American bloc…