Overview
- EU governments approved the agreement by qualified majority, with Ireland, France, Austria, Hungary and Poland voting no and Belgium abstaining.
- Thousands joined a tractor convoy and rally in Athlone, organized by Independent Ireland with the Irish Farmers’ Association, after police warned of significant traffic disruption.
- Farm groups warn that an extra 99,000 tonnes of South American beef and weaker enforcement of environmental and food-safety parity could undercut Irish producers.
- The Irish government voted against the deal in its current form, and Tánaiste Simon Harris said the outcome in Parliament is not assured despite the likelihood it passes.
- MEPs are expected to vote in the coming weeks, and reports indicate a formal signing in Asunción is planned next week subject to remaining EU procedures.