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yesterday

France and Ireland Oppose EU–Mercosur Deal as Paris Tractor Protests Escalate

Farmer blockades in Paris heighten pressure ahead of a decisive EU vote.

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

  • President Emmanuel Macron said France will vote against the pact and Ireland confirmed it will also oppose it, with EU member states set to decide on Friday under qualified‑majority rules.
  • Italy signaled it could back the agreement after last‑minute safeguards and financial concessions from the European Commission, potentially providing the numbers needed for approval.
  • French farmers drove roughly 100 tractors into central Paris, bypassing police roadblocks and clogging key approaches to the city, as unions protested the trade deal and other grievances.
  • France formalised a national ban on food imports containing traces of five EU‑prohibited pesticides, a measure presented as protecting standards that will be reviewed by the European Commission on Jan 20.
  • Supporters argue the deal would deliver major economic gains and diversify EU trade, while opponents warn of unfair competition from Mercosur agricultural imports and point to anger over cattle disease controls.