EU member states have approved a long-delayed trade deal with the South American bloc Mercosur, overriding significant opposition led by France. The pact, supported by most of the 27 nations, aims to boost exports, support economies, and foster diplomatic ties. While business groups and some leaders like Germany and Spain view it as a strategic move for prosperity and sovereignty, and Brazil's President hailed it as historic, France, Ireland, Poland, Hungary, and Austria opposed it, citing concerns for their farming sectors. Italy ultimately supported the accord.