The European Council, representing the EU's 27 member countries, said it adopted the New Zealand pact, setting it up come into force "probably in early 2024" once Wellington ratifies it.

European Union and Mercosur negotiators met in Brazil on Tuesday and Wednesday to try to reconcile their different positions and complete a trade deal that has been in the works for two decades, three diplomatic sources told Reuters.

Ministers have approved the emergency use of neonicotinoids against the advice of their own experts in a move branded ‘unacceptable’ by environmental groups.

Ministers have been accused of pushing for post-Brexit trade deals with more than a dozen countries around the world that do not guarantee workers’ rights or systematically violate employee protections.

Democrat candidate does not feel ‘particularly warm’ towards Brexiteers, says former chancellor.

Open letter from group representing 4m western firms outlines ‘grave concerns’.

France and Ireland say they will not ratify a huge trade deal with South American nations unless Brazil does more to fight fires in the Amazon.

Far-right president Bolsonaro's response to fires criticised around the world.

'There is no way Ireland will vote for the EU-Mercosur agreement if Brazil does not honour its environmental commitments' Leo Varadkar said.

The EU and South American economic bloc Mercosur have clinched a huge trade deal after 20 years of negotiations.

The South American customs pact Mercosur and the EU are “very close” to a far-reaching free trade accord, Brazil’s foreign minister said, a deal that would serve as a powerful counterpoint to growing tensions in global trade.