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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Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained low on Thursday, as Iran reiterated that it will neither enter into new negotiations with the United States nor re-open the Strait as long as its conditions are not met, despite recent indirect talks in New York mediated by Qatar.
As the Ukraine war is highlighted by some leaders during the United Nations' 81st General Assembly meeting in New York, Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early on Thursday with ballistic missiles, killing two people and injuring six, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
The 81st UN General Assembly continues in New York on Wednesday, with another day of high-level speeches and diplomatic meetings. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, global security and international cooperation remain at the centre of discussions.
The 81st UN General Assembly has wrapped up its third day in New York on Thursday, with world leaders delivering high-level speeches and holding diplomatic meetings.
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan will hold an urgent high-level meeting under a joint defence pact to discuss ways to support the kingdom amid attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis. The meeting comes as Tehran seeks to distance itself from the rapid advance of its Houthi allies.
Finland and Sweden deployed fighter aircraft on Thursday after a group of Russian military planes was detected over the Gulf of Finland, the Finnish Air Force reported on Friday (25 September).
The Middle East arrived at the United Nations this week with the consequences of a war that is no longer contained to one front. From Israel and Iran to Syria and Yemen, leaders have used the General Assembly to set out competing positions on the situation in the region.
Here’s your AnewZ Daily Brief for 25 September 2026, with five key developments from the third day of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Xi Jinping touched down at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday evening to a welcome that was fairly unprecedented. President Donald Trump was there on the tarmac to greet him personally, which is something no sitting U.S. president had done for a visiting foreign leader in six decades.
The U.S. Senate narrowly rejected a resolution on Thursday that would have required President Donald Trump to end the war in Iran or seek congressional authorisation, as Democrats sought to put Republicans on the record over the increasingly unpopular conflict ahead of November's midterm elections.
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