European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has announced that the controversial trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, which was 25 years in the making, has been achieved. Talks concluded at a final summit in Uruguay today. She describes the deal as a political necessity and economic opportunity. The deal joins EU nations with the Mercosur countries of South America, which include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Associate countries include Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname. Venezuela is also a full member but was suspended in 2016.
