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22h ago

EU–Mercosur Trade Pact Nears Vote as Paris Tractor Protests Intensify

Fresh safeguards have Italy leaning yes, putting a Friday approval within reach.

French farmers park their tractor in front of the Arc de Triomphe to protest against the Mercosur trade alliance with South America countries but also EU farming policy or mass cull of cows ordered to contain the spread of a skin disease Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Paris. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
French farmers protest at the Arc de Triomphe against the Mercosur trade alliance with South America countries but also against EU farming policy or mass cull of cows ordered to contain the spread of a skin disease, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Paris. Poster reads: EU kills. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
A mannequin hangs from a tractor as farmers protest at the Arc de Triomphe against the Mercosur trade alliance with South America countries but also against EU farming policy or mass cull of cows ordered to contain the spread of a skin disease, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Paris. Poster at right reads: Mercosur, death for sure. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
A poster on a tractor reads 'Mercosur, death for sure' as farmers protest at the Arc de Triomphe against the Mercosur trade alliance with South America countries but also against EU farming policy or mass cull of cows ordered to contain the spread of a skin disease, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Paris. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Overview

  • Farmers drove roughly 100 tractors into Paris, with some reaching the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower, as police blocked most convoys at the city limits, the Interior Ministry said.
  • EU countries are due to vote Friday on authorizing the accord, after the European Commission offered earlier access to up to €45 billion in farm funds and cuts to some fertilizer duties.
  • Italy has signaled it may back the deal following added protections and is pushing to tighten import‑surge investigations from an 8% trigger toward 5%.
  • Ireland confirmed it will vote no, and France and Poland remain opposed, yet a qualified majority could still be secured if Italy supports the agreement.
  • If member states authorize signature, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen could sign the pact in Paraguay as soon as Jan. 12, before subsequent ratification steps.