BRUSSELS, Jan 9 (Reuters) - European Union member states confirmed on Friday a broad majority of them support a planned free trade agreement with South American bloc Mercosur, Cyprus, which holds the
EU member states confirm approval of signing EU-Mercosur trade agreement
Overview of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement
BRUSSELS, Jan 9 (Reuters) - European Union member states confirmed on Friday a broad majority of them support a planned free trade agreement with South American bloc Mercosur, Cyprus, which holds the EU rotating presidency, said.
Significance of the Trade Deal
EU capitals had had until 5 p.m. Brussels time (1600 GMT) to confirm their votes in writing after ambassadors of the EU's 27 members signalled their provisional approval of the deal a few hours earlier.
Next Steps for Approval
The deal is set to be the largest trade accord the EU has concluded, although it will still require approval from the European Parliament before it can enter force.
European Parliament's Role
(Reporting by Inti Landauro, editing by Philip Blenkinsop)
