A round of talks between the EU and the South American state body Mercosur are due to take place in Brussels next month as internal difficulties dominate both blocs.

In Europe, policy makers and the general public continue to wait for the trigger to be pulled on Brexit. Germany and France are due elections in 2017 and right-wing parties are growing in strength as the migration issue takes hold across Europe.

Meanwhile, Mercosur presidents are in New York this week where they are addressing the UN General Assembly. It is expected they will use the occasion when they are all together to try and resolve the internal differences that have dominated in recent weeks.

First there was the impeachment of the Brazilian president, but how to deal with Venezuela is the most problematical. Uruguay has been trying to prevent Venezuela being removed as a full member, whereas Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay want it removed because it is effectively a dictatorship.

In Mercosur, positive noises are being made about a trade deal being possible by the end of 2017, but given the rowing back in enthusiasm in trade deals within the EU and the other issues occupying Mercosur, that seems extremely optimistic at this point.