EU and Mercosur sign major trade deal after 25 years, pending final approvals.

After more than 25 years of negotiations, the European Union and Mercosur, a South American trade bloc that includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, signed a landmark free trade agreement. The agreement, hailed as one of the world's largest trade zones, seeks to lower tariffs, boost economic growth, and strengthen trade ties. While many people support it, farmers and environmental groups have criticized it because of concerns about agricultural competition and deforestation. Before implementation, the European Parliament and Mercosur national legislatures must provide final ratification.