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Brussels, My Love?

5 topics shaping Brussels in 2026

As the new year kicks off, European politics is gearing up for another busy twelve months in Brussels. On this episode of the podcast “Brussels, My Love?”, we take a closer look at five key issues that will play a big role in 2026.

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Polish farmers stage nationwide protests over EU–Mercosur trade agreement

Farmers across Poland held coordinated protests to voice concerns about the planned EU–Mercosur trade deal and its potential impact on domestic agriculture.

Brazil

Brazil's Lula calls EU to seek 'political courage' over Mercosur deal

During a meeting with the South American bloc at Foz do Iguazu on Saturday, he regretted the postponement by the EU of the agreement that would have created the largest free trade zone in the world.

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Macron's home targeted by farmers protesting EU trade deal

France farmers protested outside President Macron’s home in Le Touquet, demanding the EU drop the Mercosur trade deal despite its signing being delayed.

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Europe News

Mercosur signature delayed to January after Meloni asks for more time

The European Commission announced it will delay the signing of the Mercosur trade agreement until the new year after Meloni asked for more time. No date has been set. Backers hope deal won't be further derailed.

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Farmers clash with police near European parliament in Brussels

Belgium farmers clashed with police in Brussels during protests against the EU-Mercosur trade deal, as leaders debated safeguards and possible delays.

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Farmers from 27 EU countries protest EU-Mercosur trade deal

Belgium farmers protested in Brussels against the EU Mercosur trade deal, clashing with police as tractors gathered near the European Parliament.

Belgium

Farmers block roads in Brussels to protest EU-Mercosur free-trade deal

Proponents argue the agreement would provide an alternative to Beijing's export controls and Washington's tariff policies. Critics warn it would weaken environmental regulations and damage the EU's agricultural sector.

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Farmers bring tractors to Brussels to protest EU-Mercosur trade deal

Farmers drove tractors into Brussels to protest the EU-Mercosur trade deal, fearing competition.

Europe News

Signing Mercosur deal is now 'imperative', Commissioner Hoekstra says

In an exclusive interview, European Commissioner for Climate Wopke Hoekstra said signing the Mercosur trade agreement is essential. Rome and Paris, however, are seeking to delay a crucial vote that could push or kill the deal.

Europe News

Italy's Meloni pours cold water on 'premature' EU-Mercosur agreement

Italy's position is pivotal, as France, Hungary, Poland, and Austria oppose the deal, which requires the approval of a qualified majority for the EU executive chief Ursula von der Leyen to sign it.

Europe News

EU Parliament and member states set to clash over Mercosur safeguards

The European Parliament has confirmed a contentious "reciprocity clause" that could derail the EU-Mercosur trade deal, and member states are expected to push back on it in upcoming negotiations.

Europe News

Farmers must not be sacrificed, lawmaker says on Mercosur

The EU’s South American trade deal risks becoming another blow to European farmers as Brussels moves to cut agricultural spending, Green MEP Thomas Waitz warned. The deal has entered a crucial week in Strasbourg and Brussels.

Europe Today

Watch: Will Mercosur deal be stopped by the French farmers?

French farmers are clashing with police as their herds get slaughtered to stop a viral outbreak. That could have much bigger consequences than anyone expects.

Europe News

All eyes on Italy as Mercosur deal hangs in the balance

Rome is torn between protecting farmers and maintaining exports to Mercosur countries. But supporters of the Mercosur agreement fear its silence signals Italy may not be on board.

Europe News

EU enters crucial week marred by uncertainty for the 27-member bloc

The EU faces three key issues this week: Ukraine peace talks and making sure Europe gets a say at Trump's table, an unprecedented financial operation to issue a reparations loan facing retaliation from Moscow, and getting the Mercosur deal done. The end result of any of the three is unclear.

Europe News

European Commission turns up pressure on France over Mercosur deal

France wants to delay member states’ vote on the agreement amid mounting farmer anger. But the EU executive says a shifting global geoeconomic landscape makes the deal urgent.

Europe News

How the European Parliament could still derail the EU-Mercosur deal

Three votes in the European Parliament could derail the largest free trade area ever struck by the European Union – or at least significantly change it.

Europe Today

Watch the video: Will the European Parliament approve Mercosur deal?

Next week, the EU is entering the final phase of the Mercosur trade deal that might create a market of 700 million people between Europe and South America. But will it?

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European Ombudswoman weighs in on von der Leyen’s vanishing texts

The European Ombudswoman has defended the European Commission’s commitment to transparency amid criticism that President Ursula von der Leyen is running an increasingly opaque operation, but recognised "challenges" in upholding free access to documents.