A qualified majority of EU countries has approved the bloc’s trade agreement with the MERCOSUR states for subsequent signing, four EU diplomats said. France, Poland, Austria, Ireland, and Hungary voted against it, while Belgium abstained. The capitals of member states have until 5:00 p.m. on Friday to raise any objections.
Additional safeguard measures for agricultural markets—which are to be triggered in the event of a sharp surge in imports from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay—were also approved by EU ambassadors, sources said on condition of anonymity.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to travel to Paraguay next week to sign the agreement.