Story perspectives

EU Delays Mercosur Deal Amid Farmers' Protests and Tensions

12/20/2025

Center

EU Postpones Trade Deal

The EU postponed signing a trade deal with the Mercosur bloc after farmer protests and opposition from France and Italy.
Farmers fear the deal will undermine livelihoods by allowing cheaper imports from South America.
Protests in Brussels included road blockages and clashes with police.
French President Emmanuel Macron demands stronger protections for European agriculture before agreeing.
France calls for a truce with protesting farmers amid cattle-disease tensions and trade concerns.

Right

France Vaccinates Cattle

France has deployed its military to speed vaccination of cattle against lumpy skin disease.
The government aims to vaccinate 750,000 cows.
Farmers are blocking highways in protest over policies that cull infected herds.
President Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has said he will not back the EU-Mercosur trade deal without stronger protections for local agriculture.

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EU Postpones Trade Deal

The EU postponed signing a trade deal with the Mercosur bloc after farmer protests and opposition from France and Italy.
Farmers fear the deal will undermine livelihoods by allowing cheaper imports from South America.
Protests in Brussels included road blockages and clashes with police.
French President Emmanuel Macron demands stronger protections for European agriculture before agreeing.
France calls for a truce with protesting farmers amid cattle-disease tensions and trade concerns.

1 / 2