The Latest Breaking News from Mercosur

The EU has offered a carrot to farmers angered at a trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur, promising to unlock funds for the sector as EU agriculture ministers are due to gather in Brussels Wednesday for an extraordinary meeting to try to get the accord over the line.

The Commission has offered early access to €45 billion of fuding under the next Common Agricultural Policy budget as soon as 2028 to appease farmers. While France’s backing for the Mercosur deal remains highly uncertain, all eyes are on Italy. Prime Minister Meloni welcomed the proposal.

With the European Commission expected to offer assurances to opponents worried about their farmers, the EU’s 27 ministers will meet on Wednesday for a “political” discussion before an expected vote on the pivotal trade deal on Friday.

The French government has said it is tightening checks on around a dozen food ⁠imports in a bid to ease concerns of farmers who have been protesting at what they say is unfair competition from countries with looser regulations.

Representatives of the South American Mercosur bloc met in Brazil Friday, as EU diplomatic sources said a long-delayed trade deal may now be signed on January 12.

By agreeing to provide a loan of €90 billion (£79 billion) for the years 2026-2027, EU leaders have set the direction for the future of support for Ukraine.

The European Commission announced it will delay the signing of the Mercosur trade agreement until the new year after Meloni asked for more time. No date has been set. Backers hope deal won't be further derailed.

Belgium farmers clashed with police in Brussels during protests against the EU-Mercosur trade deal, as leaders debated safeguards and possible delays.

Farmers in tractors have blocked roads, thrown potatoes and eggs, and set off fireworks in Brussels outside a European Union leaders’ summit

Thousands of farmers have taken to the streets of Brussels to protest European Union plans for a trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc and the reform of agricultural subsidies. Meanwhile, with France and Italy urging caution and other EU member states pushing for speed, Europe is still divided…

In an exclusive interview, European Commissioner for Climate Wopke Hoekstra said signing the Mercosur trade agreement is essential. Rome and Paris, however, are seeking to delay a crucial vote that could push or kill the deal.