EU approves Mercosur trade deal sparking farmer protests in France

The European Commission has approved a controversial trade deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, despite objections from France. The agreement aims to cut tariffs on various goods, but has sparked protests from European farmers concerned about competition from low-cost imports. The deal, which has been in negotiation for 25 years, still requires approval from EU member states and the European Parliament. France and Poland oppose the agreement, while Germany and Spain support it for its potential economic benefits. The new deal includes provisions to suspend it if countries do not meet climate commitments. However, critics argue it could harm Indigenous communities and lead to environmental degradation. Protests from farmers are planned in response to the deal's potential impact on their livelihoods.