EU Overrules France, Clears Historic Latin America Trade Deal

European Union member states have approved a major trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc. This decision comes despite strong opposition from France. The approval allows European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to finalize the deal. She could travel to Paraguay as early as Monday to sign the treaty. The agreement creates a huge trade zone between the EU and Mercosur. Mercosur members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The deal aims to cut tariffs on most goods traded between the regions. France led criticism of the pact. It argued the deal does not do enough to protect the Amazon rainforest. French officials also said it fails to shield EU farmers from cheaper imported food. The EU's approval is a key step, but the process is not finished. All EU and Mercosur countries must still ratify the agreement separately before it becomes law.