The European Union's executive arm proposed Tuesday to give farmers early access to some €45 billion as it looks to diffuse anger over a vast trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur, which Brussels hopes to sign next week.

In a push to get the deal over the line, EU agriculture ministers will discuss the agreement on Wednesday. France and Italy have called for tougher safeguard clauses.

The European Union's executive arm proposed Tuesday to give farmers early access to some €45 billion as it looks to diffuse anger over a vast trade deal with South American bloc…

La Comisión plantea medidas para abaratar la importación de abonos y fertilizantes en la UE

The European Commission announced new concessions to the agricultural sector, lifting Italian objections and paving the way for the free trade agreement with South American…

Las múltiples concesiones de la Comisión Europea no convencen a los agricultores

Deal, which comes as Brussels seeks new markets to offset US tariffs, will open free trade with South American group.

With this approval, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, could travel to Paraguay as early as Monday to sign the trade treaty with Latin America.

Agreement after 25 years of negotiations prompts farmers to block roads in Paris, Brussels and Warsaw

Majority of countries approve agreement with South American bloc despite opposition from European farmers