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Mercosur Trade Deal Approved By EU Countries

Friday, 9 January 2026 11:58

Ireland was one of the countries which opposed the deal.

The European Union has approved the Mercosur trade deal.

A majority of member states confirmed they would back the agreement in Brussels today, with Ireland and France among the countries which opposed it.

It aims to increase trade opportunities with countries in South America.

Farmers here are opposed to the deal, raising concerns over the standard of beef which will be imported as a result.

Midlands MEP for Independent Ireland Ciaran Mullooly, says a report in last week's Farmers' Journal, uncovered dangerous ingredients detected in Brazilian beef:

Macra is expressing grave concern and deep disappointment following confirmation the deal has been accepted:

"While Macra acknowledges the Government’s decision to reject the agreement, today’s outcome underlines the significant challenges facing Irish agriculture when national concerns are overridden at European level. The deal raises serious issues around fairness, regulatory alignment and the cumulative impact of trade agreements on farm viability."

Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty is accusing the Irish Farmers Association of blowing concerns about Mercosur out of proportion:

IFA President, Ballinakill's Francie Gorman thinks Regina Doherty's comments represent a rift in Fine Gael:

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