Twenty thousand people have gathered in Athlone this afternoon as anger grows over the progression of the EU-Mercosur deal. On Friday, the EU ambassador approved a trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay – but it still needs to be backed by the European Parliament. The Irish Government voted against the deal in its current form, with senior Cabinet figures insisting that negotiations are not finalised. The trade deal with the EU involves four Mercosur countries – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. MEP Mullooly added that he was so proud that people were standing shoulder to shoulder with Irish farmers.

Source: The Herald January 10, 2026 17:09 UTC