Court of Justice of the EU

EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Takes Effect After 25 Years of Negotiations

The EU-Mercosur trade agreement entered provisional force on Friday after more than 25 years of negotiations, creating a free-trade zone spanning over 700 million people. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pushed ahead with provisional application despite a legal challenge before the Court of Justice, effectively bypassing a parliamentary vote. The deal eliminates tariffs on the majority of trade between the EU and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. France and EU farmers opposed the agreement, with farmers protesting with tractors ahead of the signing.