After 25 years of negotiations, the European Union and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) have sealed their long-awaited agreement, which could establish the largest free-trade zone in the world. The deal signals Europe’s strategic push against growing global fragmentation, as the U.S. is expected to become more protectionist and tensions with China are likely to increase. However, despite widespread optimism across the two regions, Significant obstacles remain to its ratification due to strong opposition from EU Member States, including France, Italy, and Poland, which are highly protective of their agricultural sectors.