Overview
- EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa are slated to attend a Saturday signing ceremony in Paraguay for the EU–Mercosur agreement.
- A qualified‑majority vote by member states cleared the deal after Italy reversed its stance, overcoming opposition from France and Poland.
- Farmers protested in multiple countries, including about 150 tractors in Paris, as the French government prepared extra aid beyond an earlier €300 million package.
- Austrian retailers Spar, Billa/REWE, Lidl and Hofer pledged to keep fresh meat sourcing 100% domestic rather than buy from Mercosur suppliers.
- The pact removes most tariffs, with the Commission forecasting up to a 39% rise in EU exports, and it includes fixed quotas on beef and poultry plus safeguard measures.