The European Union and South America's Mercosur bloc have reached a historic agreement on a long-delayed free trade deal, but the pact now faces fierce opposition in Europe, particularly from France.
The European Union and South America's Mercosur bloc have reached a historic agreement on a long-delayed free trade deal, marking a major step in global trade relations. However, the deal now faces significant hurdles for approval within the EU, with France leading the opposition.
French officials have branded the agreement "unacceptable," voicing concerns over imports of South American commodities like beef, which critics argue fail to meet the EU's stringent green and food safety standards. European farmers have also protested the deal, fearing it will undercut their markets with cheaper imports.
Meanwhile, countries like Germany and Spain have defended the agreement, emphasizing its importance in diversifying EU trade. Proponents argue the deal is critical in reducing reliance on China and compensating for the loss of the Russian market.
As the EU prepares to debate the deal, the pact faces a contentious path to ratification, reflecting stark divisions within the bloc over its trade priorities and environmental commitments.
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Leaders from Central Asia and the European Union will meet in Samarkand on April 4 for the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, aimed at deepening ties. Talks will focus on trade, investment, green energy, and security — marking a new era of cooperation.
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Central Asia-EU Summit
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Tariff battle
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The European Union is prepared to retaliate against U.S. tariffs but prefers a negotiated resolution, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. She warned that U.S. tariffs would fuel inflation and harm jobs while urging the EU to remove internal trade barriers.
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The first summit between the leaders of the EU and the five countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) will take place on 4th April in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
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