European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Uruguay to advance the long-delayed trade agreement between the European Union and South America’s Mercosur bloc. The visit signals renewed efforts to finalize the deal, which has been years in the making.
Despite previous setbacks, the trade agreement is now “in sight,” according to officials. Von der Leyen’s arrival underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Mercosur countries, which include Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
However, France has expressed strong opposition to the agreement, labeling it “unacceptable.” The French government’s stance has been a significant obstacle in the negotiations, but recent political turmoil in France may have weakened its influence.
Just hours before von der Leyen’s arrival, French President Emmanuel Macron’s government collapsed following a no-confidence vote in parliament over efforts to rein in the country’s budget deficit. The unexpected political upheaval has left Macron scrambling to appoint a new prime minister, potentially diminishing France’s ability to block the trade deal.
Observers suggest that the political paralysis in France could pave the way for the EU and Mercosur to finalize the agreement. The deal aims to remove trade barriers, promote economic growth, and strengthen ties between the two regions.
Von der Leyen’s visit to Uruguay marks a crucial step toward concluding the long-awaited trade pact. As negotiations continue, both the EU and Mercosur are hopeful that an agreement can be reached that benefits all parties involved.
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EU chief arrives in Uruguay with Mercosur trade deal 'in sight'
cgtn.com
