On Friday, EU ambassadors approved a trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay – but it still needs to be backed by the European Parliament. The agreement involves a trade deal between the EU and four Mercosur countries – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. While Mr Ryan said he would have voted in favour of the Mercosur deal, the Green Party’s official line is in opposition to the agreement. People in Athlone, Co Westmeath, protesting against the EU-Mercosur trade deal (Cillian Sherlock/PA)Mr Ryan said: “This was very badly managed internally. “But I can’t imagine in Fine Gael that that position would have been taken without it being cleared.

Source: The Herald January 11, 2026 16:21 UTC