The European Union has approved a landmark free trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc after 25 years of negotiations. The deal, which requires European Parliament approval, aims to boost trade and economic growth but faces opposition from some EU members, notably France, concerned about increased imports of agricultural products like beef and sugar undercutting domestic farmers. Protests by farmers have occurred across the EU. Supporters, including Brazil's President Lula da Silva and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, hail it as a victory for multilateralism and global trade.