The Latest Breaking News from Mercosur

France officially banned food imports containing traces of five pesticides that are already banned in the EU. The government announced the ban on Wednesday. The move aims to reduce farmers' opposition to the Mercosur trade deal with four South American countries.

Rome’s backing for the Mercosur deal is still not guaranteed, even after the Commission offered earlier funding for farmers. Rome is now calling for the EU's carbon tax to be lifted. Mercosur signature may still be delayed.

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