French farmers gathered in Strasbourg while the EU Parliament is holding a plenary session.
French farmers staged a demonstration near the Parliament, using tractors, with drivers occasionally honking their horns to protest the trade deal.
The trade agreement, which is yet to be adopted, and is between the EU and Mercosur countries, including Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. The agreement dates back to 2019 and includes the establishment of import quotas on certain agricultural products from the Mercosur countries, either duty-free or at a reduced levy. The deal would also provide EU farmers with increased access to South American markets, boosting exports of products such as wine, cheese, and olive oil. Deal has a major focus on agriculture, and recently sparked demonstrations from EU farmers who claim that agricultural imports from South America fail to meet European standards and it is also criticized for being unfavorable for the agricultural sector.
Earlier this year, farmers staged protests across France and multiple Europe countries opposing EU regulations, raising financial concerns, demanding more balanced agricultural policies, and opposing the trade agreement.
France's Agriculture Minister, Annie Genevard, has publicly opposed the agreement, pointing out deforestation and health concerns linked to hormone-treated meat, while President Emmanuel Macron has also opposed the agreement unless South America meets EU standards.
On the other side, supporters of the EU-Mercosur deal argue that it would strengthen economic ties between Europe and South America by eliminating tariffs on exports, particularly machinery, chemicals, and cars, while the EU's official website considers it a win-win for both Mercosur countries and for the farmers saying it is beneficial because it offers opportunities for growth, more jobs, and sustainable development on both sides.
The protests continue while the plenary session is taking place. EU lawmakers will debate on Wednesday (November 27) on the future of farming and agriculture.
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As cities increasingly take on greater geopolitical significance amidst conflicts, climate change and shifting global alliances, discussions at the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan have gone beyond architecture and urban development according to a political analyst.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said plans to strengthen frontline units on the border with South Korea, as well as other major units, were key to "more thoroughly deterring war," state media KCNA reported on Monday.
China will address U.S. concerns about rare earth shortages, the White House said on Sunday in a recap of agreements struck at last week's leaders summit that fell short of calling for the removal of restrictions that have disrupted U.S. aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing.
Samsung Electronics and its labour union commenced high-stakes talks on Monday (18 May) in a last-ditch bid to avert what would be the biggest strike in the tech giant's history.
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, taking victory in a final overshadowed by a boycott over Israel’s participation and the war in Gaza.
At least eight people were injured after a driver rammed a car into pedestrians in the northern Italian city of Modena, authorities said on Saturday. Four of the victims were reported to be in serious condition.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would face growing economic costs from the conflict. The remarks came as Hezbollah reported new attacks on Israeli forces despite an extended Lebanon ceasefire.
At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Saturday (16 May), triggering a fire that quickly spread through the vehicle.
U.S. President Donald Trump says China's Xi Jinping agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran prepares a new shipping mechanism. Tensions over the U.S. blockade and stalled nuclear talks continue to disrupt global oil supplies.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said plans to strengthen frontline units on the border with South Korea, as well as other major units, were key to "more thoroughly deterring war," state media KCNA reported on Monday.
China will address U.S. concerns about rare earth shortages, the White House said on Sunday in a recap of agreements struck at last week's leaders summit that fell short of calling for the removal of restrictions that have disrupted U.S. aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing.
Samsung Electronics and its labour union commenced high-stakes talks on Monday (18 May) in a last-ditch bid to avert what would be the biggest strike in the tech giant's history.
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