Independent Ireland issue Mercosur public meeting updateOrganisers of Saturday’s public meeting regarding the EU-Mercosur trade agreement at TUS Athlone Campus have issued an update with respect to plans for the event. The event will host several speakers, including representatives of Independent Ireland, and they have also confirmed that representatives from ten of the major farmer representative organisations will be speaking at the public meeting. EU ambassadors approved the EU-Mercosur trade deal by a qualified majority in Brussels this morning (Friday). Ireland, France, Poland, Austria and Hungary opposed the deal, while Belgium abstained from the vote. That is why it is vital that farmers and communities show their strength this Saturday.”Across the continent, farming groups are participating in mass rallies opposing the trade deal, particularly in Italy, France and Poland.

Source: Irish Independent January 09, 2026 15:31 UTC