Signing off the Mercosur trade deal between the European Union and Latin American countries is "imperative", EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra told Euronews, as political divisions among member states could derail a crucial vote this week.
The deal, more than 20 years in the making, has entered a decisive week, which could see the Mercosur accord finally signed off or have it derailed. Backers, which include the European Commission, Germany and Spain, argue that a failure to stamp the deal would present a setback as the bloc seeks new markets for exports. France is leading an opposition camp and is looking to delay the vote, which could shelve it entirely.
