The European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc reached a significant trade agreement on December 6, 2024, despite strong objections from France. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed that the terms were 'unacceptable' as he vowed to obstruct the deal's ratification. The agreement was confirmed during a Mercosur summit in Uruguay, attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
On the same day, Panama officially became an associate member of Mercosur, marking a historic step as the first Central American nation to join the bloc. President José Raúl Mulino announced the achievement on social media, emphasizing the importance of connecting Panama to a market of 271 million people and a combined GDP of $4.5 trillion. This status may pave the way for full membership in the future, similar to Bolivia's path to integration.