Irish farmers protest EU-Mercosur trade deal after EU approval.

Thousands of Irish farmers demonstrated in Athlone against the EU-Mercosur trade deal after EU member states approved the accord; the agreement still needs a majority vote in the European Parliament.

Thousands of farmers gathered with tractors in Athlone to protest the EU-Mercosur trade deal after EU states gave the accord approval. The demonstration follows similar protests in other EU countries and comes amid sustained concerns from farming groups about competition from South American agricultural imports. Irish officials and farm representatives have voiced worries about standards and the potential impact on domestic agriculture. The agreement must still be approved by a majority of members in the European Parliament in the coming months. What is known: - Thousands of farmers demonstrated in Athlone against the EU-Mercosur trade deal. - EU member states approved the agreement despite opposition from Ireland, France and several other countries. - Irish farm groups say they fear an influx of about 99,000 tonnes of beef from Mercosur countries could disrupt Irish agriculture. - The agreement still requires a majority vote in the European Parliament before it takes effect. Summary: The protest underscores clear opposition from sections of the farming community and formal concerns voiced by Irish officials and farm groups about production standards and market effects. The next formal step is a vote in the European Parliament in the coming months, where approval by a majority of MEPs will be required.