French Farmers Rally Against Mercosur-EU Trade Deal, Delaying Progress

French farmers are opposing a significant trade agreement between the Mercosur bloc and the EU, potentially delaying the deal. Concerns include agricultural competition and disease control. This resistance highlights broader discontent with globalization's impacts and France's demands for regulatory safeguards in the agreement.

French farmers have united in opposition against a major transatlantic trade agreement between the Mercosur bloc and the European Union. This resistance has seen farmers blocking roads across France, leveraging their farming equipment to pressure the government into addressing their grievances.

The controversial trade deal, under negotiation for 25 years, seeks to eliminate duties between the two economic unions. However, French farmers worry about increased competition and agricultural disease control, leading to widespread protest. Despite the European Parliament's vote to advance the deal, key French demands remain unmet, causing potential delays.

Amid this unrest, French and other EU nations call for stringent regulatory measures to protect their agricultural sectors. The political tension further complicates the EU's geopolitical positioning, yet European officials remain intent on advancing the agreement, hopeful for eventual ratification.

(With inputs from agencies.)