Ursula von der Leyen isn’t happy, but that’s a political hit the Government calculated was worth taking in opposing the EU-Mercosur trade deal. The Mercosur agreement looked to have sufficient support to get over the line for several weeks. [ EU governments approve landmark Mercosur trade dealOpens in new window ]What is the Mercosur trade deal? The Mercosur deal faltering would have hugely harmed Europe’s ambitions to be seen as a serious global player. Ironically, there was probably a sigh of relief in Government upon hearing the Mercosur agreement had been approved.

Source: The Irish Times January 09, 2026 14:37 UTC