The European Commission is pushing to finalize a longstanding trade agreement with Mercosur countries, aiming to eliminate most tariffs and create a market of over 700 million consumers. Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Montevideo to discuss the accord, which faces opposition from France and Poland due to concerns for local farmers and environmental impacts. The deal promises to enhance trade flows, facilitating the export of European goods like cars and pharmaceuticals in exchange for South American agricultural products.