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EU-Mercosur deal: Europe puts brakes on, Argentina pushes pedal to the metal

20-02-2026 19:29 Europe claims to defend free trade but is legislating automatic braking mechanisms for its ill-at-ease farming sector. European multilateralism has a rhetorical conviction but also electoral memory.

by Eduardo Reina

Textile sector reels as import surge hits job

17-02-2026 12:50 Argentina’s textile sector is in crisis – falling sales, rising domestic production costs, and concerns about competition from imports have left the industry on its knees. Since 2023, the sector has laid off more than 18,000 people and is currently operating at one-third of its installed capacity, according to new data.

‘Davos of Latin America’ tests Lula’s regional clout

28-01-2026 21:30 First gathering of regional heads of state since the United States captured Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, sparking outrage from Lula but praise from other leaders.

Merz says EU-Mercosur trade deal should take effect provisionally

24-01-2026 09:28 “Democratic legitimacy” of the EU’s Mercosur deal with Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay is beyond doubt, German chancellor declares as he calls for its implementation.

EU inks South America trade deal after 25 years of negotiations

17-01-2026 14:46 Two blocs sign one of the world’s largest free-trade agreements, clinching a deal that has been in the works for more than two decades.

Is Vaca Muerta now a dead cow – and EU-Mercosur deal a cherubic baby?

17-01-2026 00:12 Today will go down as a historic day with the world’s biggest free-trade area numbering over 700 million consumers signed into being in the Paraguayan capital of Asunción.

by Michael Soltys

Milei to travel to Paraguay for signing of EU-Mercosur trade deal

13-01-2026 22:08 Mercosur-European Union treaty to be signed in Asunción on Saturday; Argentina’s leader will travel, but Lula’s attendance in doubt.; Expectations in libertarian ranks.

EU confirms Mercosur trade deal will be signed January 17 in Paraguay

12-01-2026 10:04 EU gave a long-delayed go-ahead last Friday to the huge trade pact with the South American Mercosur, overriding opposition led by key power France.

Germany 'very confident Italy will now agree' to EU-Mercosur trade deal

07-01-2026 13:20 German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius tells reporters that EU is "very confident that Italy will now agree to Mercosur agreement."

EU offers farmers extra funds to quell anger at Mercosur deal

06-01-2026 14:00 European Union will adjust its budget proposal for 2028-2034 to allow farmers early access to around 45 billion euros (US$53 billion) in funding.

Europe stumbles in its attempt to bypass Trump’s world order

20-12-2025 14:12 The ongoing failure to ratify the accord is a blow for the EU, which wants to use the transatlantic agreement as evidence that it could be a global power.

Lula paves way for postponement of EU-Mercosur trade deal signing

18-12-2025 16:51 After call with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Brazil president says will present proposed EU trade deal postponement to Mercosur at weekend summit.

Mercosur leaders to meet December 20, ready to sign EU trade deal

11-12-2025 14:49 December 20 is the deadline set by the European Commission for a green light from European states on the agreement that has met with opposition from France.

EU vows stricter controls for imports ahead of Mercosur deal vote

10-12-2025 14:38 To verify that products comply with EU standards, the European Commission promised to increase the number of controls abroad by 50 percent over the next two years.

Farmers call Paris protest against EU-Mercosur deal

23-09-2025 11:50 French farmers union to stage massive protest next month in rejection of the EU-Mercosur trade deal.

EU pushes ahead with bid to ratify Mercosur free-trade deal

03-09-2025 14:50 Agreement needs approval of the European Parliament and a qualified majority of its 27 member states. 

Swiss-Norway group and South America’s Mercosur agree on free-trade deal

02-07-2025 18:17 European Free Trade Association of Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland finalise free-trade agreement with Mercosur bloc.

EU to present Mercosur trade deal 'in coming days'

30-06-2025 13:01 European Commission will present EU states with the final legal version of a trade deal with South American nations "in the coming days," says spokesperson.

Merz tells France Mercosur trade deal must be ratified 'quickly'

07-05-2025 11:13 New German chancellor Friedrich Merz says EU countries should "quickly" ratify a free-trade deal with the Mercosur bloc that has met with staunch opposition from France.

EU offers timeline for final Mercosur deal proposal

10-04-2025 14:28 Top EU spokesperson says he wants to present a proposal for sweeping free-trade agreement before “end of summer,” with legal review ongoing.