What's happened
The EU has announced it will provisionally apply the long-delayed Mercosur trade deal after Argentina and Uruguay ratified it. The agreement, negotiated for 25 years, creates one of the world's largest free trade zones, but faces ongoing political and agricultural opposition within Europe. Full approval depends on the European Parliament.
What's behind the headline?
The EU's decision to provisionally apply the Mercosur deal signals a strategic shift towards diversifying trade partnerships amid global trade tensions and supply chain disruptions. While the agreement promises economic growth and resilience, it also exposes internal divisions within Europe, especially among lawmakers and agricultural interests. The move sidesteps parliamentary approval, likely prompting criticism and raising questions about democratic legitimacy. If the European Parliament ultimately rejects the deal, the provisional application could be reversed, but the geopolitical implications of this rapid move will influence EU trade policy for years. The deal's success hinges on balancing economic benefits with political consensus and addressing environmental concerns associated with Mercosur countries.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that von der Leyen emphasized readiness to implement the deal once ratified, highlighting the EU's strategic pivot in global trade. AP News notes the deal's long negotiation history and the recent ratifications by Argentina and Uruguay, framing it as a response to recent global trade shocks. Politico provides insight into the political controversy within Europe, emphasizing the legal review by the Court of Justice and the potential for delayed final approval. The contrasting perspectives reveal a tension between economic ambitions and internal political hurdles, with some sources warning of possible setbacks if the European Parliament opposes the deal after the provisional application.
How we got here
The EU-Mercosur trade deal was signed in January 2026 after a 25-year negotiation process. It aims to establish a free trade area for over 700 million people, representing a quarter of global GDP. The deal faced resistance from European agricultural sectors and legal challenges from EU lawmakers, delaying ratification. Argentina and Uruguay ratified the agreement on February 23, 2026, with Brazil and Paraguay expected to follow soon.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s the Latest on the EU-Mercosur Trade Deal in Brussels?
The EU-Mercosur trade deal has been a hot topic in Brussels, with ongoing legal and political debates. While Argentina and Uruguay have ratified the agreement, the European Parliament's review could delay or even block its final approval. Curious about what this means for trade between Europe and South America? Here’s what you need to know about the current situation, the controversy, and potential impacts.
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Today's headlines reveal a lot about what's happening around the world. From AI controversies to trade deals and political shifts, these stories highlight key themes shaping our society. Curious about what these stories mean for the future? Below, we explore common questions to help you understand the bigger picture behind the headlines.
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Uruguay, officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is a country in the southeastern region of South America. It borders Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and east, with the Río de la Plata to the south and the Atlantic Ocean
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