EU-Mercosur deal signed as France seeks to block agreement

The EU-Mercosur deal was signed last week by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, despite ongoing opposition from France. French MEP Marie-Pierre Vedrenne stated that the real work on the agreement begins now. France and other countries with strong dairy and beef industries oppose the deal, fearing it may harm local farmers and increase environmental risks. France is seeking support from at least three other EU countries to block the agreement. The deal, which has been in negotiation since 1999, still requires approval from the European Parliament. Discussions among EU ministers about their economic plans were also featured in the podcast.