Mercosur trade dealIt now seems certain that the Mercosur trade deal between the EU and several South American countries will finally be signed off this week, with grudging Irish acceptance. Ireland, along with France, has been among the most strident opponents of the trade deal, but compromises negotiated by the EU Commission look like being enough to force the deal through. Minister for agriculture Martin Heydon on Wednesday said he is opposed to Ireland supporting the EU-Mercosur trade deal. A French farmer drives his tractor to block a main road during a protest against the Mercosur trade deal with South American nations in Portet-sur-Garonne, southwestern France. He admitted that a rail line would enable both housing and employment growth throughout east Cork, but until the administration’s policy changed, he could not deliver it.

Source: Irish Examiner January 08, 2026 01:05 UTC