Mercosur

The European Parliament rejected a motion of censure against Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday, January 22, initiated by the far right over disputes surrounding the Mercosur agreement. The motion garnered only 165 votes in favor against 390 against. The French government firmly opposes any provisional application of the treaty, calling it a 'democratic violation'.

January 17, 2026 Iniulat ng AI

After 26 years of negotiations since 1999, the European Union and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia) signed a landmark free trade agreement on January 17, 2026, in Asunción, Paraguay. The deal creates one of the world's largest free trade zones, spanning about 720 million people and 20% of global GDP, by eliminating tariffs on over 90% of bilateral trade and promoting sustainable development amid rising protectionism.

Following the Brussels summit postponement announced by Ursula von der Leyen, the EU now targets January 12 in Paraguay for initialing the Mercosur trade pact amid ongoing French and European farmer protests. France's Macron pushes for stronger safeguards, while Paraguay urges haste and Germany anticipates quick resolution.

December 19, 2025 Iniulat ng AI

Following the EU's announced delay—as previously reported—the Mercosur summit in Foz do Iguaçu concluded on December 20 without signing the trade pact. Brazil handed the pro tempore presidency to Paraguay amid Lula's frustration, while leaders eye alternatives with China, Canada, and others. Chancellors including Argentina's Pablo Quirno remain hopeful for a near-term EU signing.

Following earlier highway blockades, dozens of tractors from Coordination rurale, Confédération paysanne, and Jeunes agriculteurs blocked the A61 near Carcassonne on December 17, protesting DNC herd culling and the Mercosur deal. Demonstrators dismantled barriers and barbecued as the government ramps up vaccination for 750,000 cattle, while France and Italy resist immediate EU-Mercosur signing.

December 16, 2025 Iniulat ng AI

Following escalating protests, Agriculture Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced accelerated vaccination against contagious nodular dermatosis (DNC) on farms, mobilizing army veterinarians and denouncing ultra-left militants infiltrating farmer demonstrations. A new crisis meeting is set for Tuesday afternoon at Matignon.