The news that the European Commissioner with responsibility for trade Maroš Šefcovic is in Dublin today and tomorrow (Friday) for a series of engagements will come as no surprise to many, as the EU begins its charm offensive to get the Mercosur trade deal across the line.

On page 30, Phelim O’Neill speaks to Peter Power, the head of the European Representation in Ireland, about some of the additional safeguards that will accompany the agreement.

While these safeguards are being lauded by the European Commission as beneficial, the reality is beef farmers, and Irish beef farmers in particular, will lose out if the deal gets across the line.

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While the safeguards are well documented, there is less detail around the actions that will be taken as a result of the triggering of the safeguard clauses contained in the agreement.

We will have to see how the situation develops.