EU seeks progress on Mercosur trade deal as member states raise concerns

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Uruguay on December 5 to advance the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which has been under negotiation for over 20 years. The deal aims to reduce tariffs and create a market of about 700 million people. However, opposition from some EU countries, particularly France, Poland, and Italy, has stalled progress. Concerns focus on environmental standards and the impact of cheaper South American beef on local farmers, leading to protests in these nations. Critics suggest that the opposition may be driven by protectionist motives rather than genuine environmental concerns. They argue that European nations are using these issues to maintain economic advantages while demanding stricter standards from Mercosur countries.