France, Ireland and Hungary will vote against the EU-Mercosur trade deal when it goes to a vote in the European Council on Friday, their leaders announced on Thursday. However, the opposition of these three countries is not enough to block the deal, and it is still expected to pass. The deal was originally due to be voted on in Brussels in December and signed in Brazil the same month. December’s delay came after support from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wavered, and she sought more time to secure support for the deal domestically. If Italy had joined France, Hungary and Ireland in opposing the deal, their votes would be enough to block it.

Source: The Herald January 08, 2026 23:24 UTC