The Mercosur deal has been concluded against the will of farmers and key member states, in the name of a geopolitical strategy detached from the social reality of rural Europe.
Deputy PM Simon Harris said the Commission’s concessions fall short for Irish citizens, while Hungary’s Péter Szijjártó said Brussels is ignoring Hungarian farmers.
Opposition TDs warn the proposed powers could deter whistleblowers and undermine investigative reporting—despite government assurances of judicial safeguards.
Amid some controversy, the Irish government has announced a €100 million funding package for Irish civil society organisations working overseas and formally aimed at supporting the world’s poorest and most vulnerable regions—with projects focused on gender equality and climate action.
