EU-Mercosur trade deal set for provisional launch on May 1

The controversial EU-Mercosur trade deal will enter into force on a provisional basis from May 1, the European Commission has confirmed.

​Although backed by the majority of EU countries, many farmers in France and Ireland are raising concerns over how it may affect the quality of meat and their livelihoods.

The trade deal has divided European countries, with France leading the way in opposition.

There have been protests in Ireland, with MEP Ciaran Mullooly spearheading one of the largest in Athlone.

​In January, France saw massive protests involving farmers driving tractors into Paris City Centre.

​At the end of January, a court case was triggered to establish the legal basis for the deal, and although this suspends the parliament's consent, it does not stop the provisional application.

​The deal will eliminate tariffs on most trade between Mercosur and the European Union, with the challenges from the US and China posing a risk to both blocs.

​European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič said: “The priority now is turning this agreement into concrete outcomes, giving EU exporters the platform they need to seize new opportunities for trade, growth and jobs.”

​The deal will now open up a trading zone of 700 million people, making it one of the world's largest. The EU projects a rise of €77.6 billion in GDP.