BRUSSELS (AP) — France is creating a last-minute hurdle for a major trade deal between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc. European farmers are protesting in Brussels, fearing competition from the deal. Negotiators thought they would finalize it this year. The agreement would gradually remove duties on nearly all goods traded between the EU and Mercosur over 15 years. French Prime Minister S衡stien Lecornu called the deal “unacceptable” on Sunday, requesting a delay. Concerns include Mercosur exporters undercutting EU products due to differing regulations. The European Commission is pushing to sign the deal by the end of the year.
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