Hungary Vows to Block Major EU Trade Deal, Citing Farmer Threat

Hungary will vote against a landmark trade agreement between the European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc, its foreign minister announced. Peter Szijjarto stated the European Commission is "forcing through" the deal. He argues it would harm Hungarian agricultural interests. "The agreement would come at the expense of the livelihoods of Hungarian farmers," Szijjarto said. The EU-Mercosur deal aims to create one of the world's largest free-trade zones. It would reduce tariffs on most goods traded between the two regions. For the agreement to pass, it requires unanimous support from all 27 EU member states. Hungary's declared opposition could block the entire deal. The announcement highlights ongoing tensions within the EU over trade policy. Several member states have expressed concerns about competition for their farmers.