European Parliament delays major trade deal with South America over legal concerns

The European Parliament voted to refer a major free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American nations to the EU's top court. This move delays the ratification process for the deal, which was signed after more than 25 years of negotiations.

Thousands of farmers protested against the agreement in Strasbourg ahead of the vote, and the decision drew support from both far-right and far-left political groups. The French government opposed a provisional application of the treaty, calling it a 'democratic violation'.

The agreement, signed in Asuncion, Paraguay, aims to create one of the world's largest free trade zones, covering 700 million people. Mercosur officials have said they intend to continue working to ratify the pact despite the European Parliament's action.