European Union, South America's Mercosur bloc sign landmark free-trade agreement

Jan 17, 2026 - 15:00
European Union, South America's Mercosur bloc sign landmark free-trade agreement
Two people in business wear shake hands during a meeting.

The European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries formally signed a long-sought landmark free trade agreement on Saturday, capping more than a quarter-century of torturous negotiations to strengthen commercial ties in the face of rising protectionism and trade tensions around the world.