Farmers opposed to European agriculture reforms and a free-trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur protest in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025. NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP
The European Union on Tuesday, January 6, offered a carrot to farmers angered at a trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur, promising to unlock funds for the sector as it seeks to get the accord over the line. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, said it plans to tweak its budget proposal for 2028-34, which has come under fire from agricultural groups, to allow farmers early access to around €45 billion.
The move comes amid a push to ease the qualms of some countries over the Mercosur deal that Brussels hopes to ink next week. It was welcomed by Italy, which holds the deciding vote on the accord. "This is a positive and significant step forward in the negotiations that will lead to the new EU budget," said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
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