The Mercosur trade deal has for years been a contentious flashpoint between efforts to expand the union’s global influence and the powerful farming lobby in many European countries. What is the Mercosur trade deal? Her party colleague Sean Kelly did not respond to questions, but all other Irish MEPs have committed to vote against it. Irish farmers are concerned about the extra 99,000 tonnes of beef the deal will allow Mercosur countries to sell into the European market. In a statement after the vote, Tánaiste Simon Harris said Ireland would continue its opposition to the Mercosur deal as the ratification process moves to the European Parliament.

Source: The Irish Times January 09, 2026 20:19 UTC