EU and Mercosur reach long-awaited free trade agreement

The European Union and Mercosur have reached a long-awaited free trade agreement, but it must still gain approval in Europe, where France has expressed strong opposition. European leaders emphasize the deal's potential benefits for consumers and businesses, while South American leaders highlight new market opportunities and investment flows. France's government has stated the current agreement is unacceptable, citing concerns over agricultural sovereignty. Other EU countries, like Spain and Germany, support the deal, viewing it as a step toward greater trade openness.