EU-Mercosur Deal Nears Approval After Italy Swings Vote Support

The EU is poised to approve the Mercosur trade agreement on Friday after Italy shifted its position to support the deal, potentially isolating France.Commission President Ursula von der Leyen could sign the pact in Paraguay next week following new concessions including 45 billion euros in agricultural aid.The breakthrough comes amid escalating protests by French farmers who blockaded Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to oppose competition from South American imports.