Thousands of Irish farmers protest EU’s Mercosur trade deal

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffJanuary 10, 2026 at 04:54 PM

AI Summary

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Thousands of Irish farmers protested in Athlone on Saturday, January 10, 2026, against the EU's Mercosur trade deal. The demonstration followed provisional approval of the agreement by a majority of EU member states. Farmers fear the deal, which would create a large free-trade area between the EU and Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay), will negatively impact Ireland's beef industry. They are concerned about cheaper South American imports, particularly an influx of low-cost beef, undercutting their livelihoods. The farmers believe the deal will disrupt Ireland's farming sector, where beef and dairy are major employers.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Argentina 40% Uruguay 40% Paraguay 40% Hungary 50% France 50% Poland 50% Austria 50% Brazil ×260% Athlone ×260% Ireland ×580% Mercosur ×785% European Union ×790%

Keywords

eu-mercosur trade deal 100% irish farmers 90% trade agreement 80% beef industry 70% protest 60% agricultural products 60% mercosur 50% european union 50% tariffs 40%