EU countries back Mercosur trade deal as Irish farmers to stage protest in Athlone

"The European Commission, which concluded negotiations a year ago, and countries such as Germany and Spain argue it is a vital part of an EU push to unlock new markets to offset business lost from U.S. tariffs and to reduce reliance on China by securing access to critical minerals. Opponents led by France, the European Union's largest agricultural producer, say the agreement will jack up imports of cheap food products, including beef, poultry and sugar, undercutting domestic farmers."

"LATEST: EU countries back Mercosur trade deal Deal aims to offset U.S. tariffs, reduce reliance on China France opposes deal due to impact on domestic farmers Accord will still require European Parliament's approval Safeguards include import controls, crisis fund for farmers Updates after EU ambassadors show sufficient support for signing of deal EU ambassadors gave provisional approval on Friday to the signing of the bloc's largest ever free trade accord with South American group Mercosur,"

"Follow the Irish Independent's liveblog: Protest over EU-Mercosur deal planned for Saturday in Athlone ANALYSIS: 'Our silence on this is killing us' - last-minute ructions in Fianna Fáil over Mercosur vote Video: What is the Mercosur deal and what does it mean for Ireland? The Irish Independent's View: Climbdown on Mercosur deal will win Ireland no favours in Brussels FACTBOX: What's in the EU-Mercosur trade deal and why is it contentious?"

EU ambassadors gave provisional approval to sign the EU’s largest free trade accord with Mercosur after more than 25 years of negotiations and months of wrangling. The European Commission and supporters including Germany and Spain say the deal will open markets, offset business lost to U.S. tariffs and reduce reliance on China by securing access to critical minerals. France and other opponents warn of surging imports of cheap beef, poultry and sugar that could undercut domestic farmers, triggering protests. Proposed safeguards include import controls and a farmers’ crisis fund, and final approval requires the European Parliament.

Read at Irish Independent