Athlone, January 11 2026, (Agencies) – Thousands of Irish farmers took to the streets of Athlone on Saturday to protest a trade agreement between the European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc, raising concerns over its potential impact on Ireland’s beef industry.
Tractors flooded the roads as farmers from across the country gathered, holding placards reading “Stop EU-Mercosur” and chanting slogans accusing European leaders of prioritizing foreign interests over local agriculture.
Farmers have warned that the deal could allow an additional 99,000 tonnes of low-cost beef to enter the EU market, threatening the livelihoods of Ireland’s beef and dairy producers, who already face challenges in securing sustainable incomes.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), the nation’s main farming lobby, described the EU’s provisional approval of the agreement as “very disappointing” and said it would continue efforts to block the deal in the European Parliament, which must still formally ratify the accord.
IFA President Francie Gorman called on Irish members of the European Parliament to support the farming community and reject the treaty, emphasizing the potential risks to local agriculture and rural employment.
The EU-Mercosur deal, which has been under negotiation for more than 25 years, was politically approved for signature by a majority of EU member states in early January 2026, despite opposition from countries including Ireland, France, Poland, Austria, and Hungary. The formal signing is scheduled to take place in Asunción, Paraguay, later this month, under the Mercosur presidency.
Under the agreement, most tariffs on trade between the EU and Mercosur — comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay — will be gradually eliminated, creating one of the largest free-trade zones in the world, covering roughly 700 million consumers. The EU has also included enhanced safeguard mechanisms to protect sensitive agricultural sectors, such as beef and poultry, allowing rapid intervention if imports threaten market stability.
Despite the political approval, the treaty still requires ratification by the European Parliament before it can enter into full force. Parts of the agreement, including tariff reductions under the Interim Trade Agreement, may be applied provisionally after signature, even as broader parliamentary approvals are pending.
The farmer protests in Athlone are part of a broader wave of demonstrations across Europe, as rural communities express concern about the impact of Mercosur imports on domestic agriculture and food security.
The EU-Mercosur agreement has also attracted criticism from environmental groups, who warn that increased beef and soy imports could contribute to deforestation in the Amazon, as well as from labor advocates who call for stronger enforcement of social and labor standards in Mercosur countries.