In The News Why Ireland is under pressure in a battle over European trade
Dec 18, 2025
In this conversation, Jack Power, a Brussels correspondent specializing in EU politics, delves into the high-stakes negotiations surrounding the long-awaited Mercosur trade deal. He highlights the looming December 20th deadline, the intricate dynamics between France, Germany, and Ireland, and the contentious issue of beef imports that threatens to impact local farmers. Power also discusses the implications of Ireland's decision and the broader significance of the deal in positioning Europe as a global trading entity amid changing geopolitical landscapes.
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Quarter-Century Deal Reaches Decisive Moment
- The Mercosur deal has been negotiated for 25 years and returned to the agenda after geopolitical shifts like Trump.
- The EU now faces a make-or-break vote to either sign the wide-ranging free-trade agreement or walk away.
Beef Is The Deal's Political Flashpoint
- The deal cuts tariffs and opens EU markets to Mercosur goods while giving EU exporters greater access to South America.
- Beef imports, especially from Brazil and Argentina, are the central political sticking point for farmers across the EU.
Big States Split Over Priorities
- Germany and the European Commission push to sign quickly while France and Italy seek delay for more protections.
- The split reflects industrial exporters’ interests versus agricultural protections in member states.