The EU-Mercosur trade deal is likely to be high on the agenda as the European Commissioner for Trade meets the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in Dublin this Thursday and Friday.

Since the deal was adopted by the commission in early September, the push is on to get at least a qualifying majority of member states on board to support it.

Ireland alone cannot block the deal, as at least four countries that represent 35% of the EU population are required for a blocking minority that would stop the deal. This is unlikely, as opposition to Mercosur has softened in recent weeks.

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Peter Power, head of the EU representation in Ireland told the Irish Farmers Journalthis week that “the safeguard assurances that were announced recently have gone a long way to satisfy most member states”.

If member states approve the deal, it will go to the European Parliament for a final decision, taken by a simple majority vote.

The entire process is expected to take at least a year, but it could be more if there is strong opposition among MEPs.