Germany's Merz Says Mercosur Deal Fair as France Slams Enforcing It Before EU Court Ruling

NAMPA / Sputnik

2026-01-22

MOSCOW, January 22 (RIA Novosti) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the EU-Mercosur trade agreement on Thursday as "fair and balanced," arguing there was no alternative if Europe wanted to achieve higher growth rates, while France condemned the possible implementation of the deal before a top court ruling as a breach of democratic principles. On Wednesday, the European Parliament voted by a narrow margin to send the signed Mercosur deal......

Restricted content

Latest NAMPA photos

OUTJO, 22 January 2026 - SummerJive tournament organisers Bonny Haeseb, Macdonald Tjaritje and Daniel Hafeni. The tournament is set to take place at the Etoshapoort Sports Stadium in Outjo on 29 and 30 August. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

OSHAKATI- 22 January 2026 - The Oshana Police Regional Commander, Naftal Lungameni Sakaria pictured during his new year address and the launch of Operation Ndjadila at the regional headquarters in Oshakati on Thursday. (Photo by: Ester Hakaala) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 22 January 2026 - Nanso's Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, Lavinia Leonard, speaking at a press conference in Windhoek. (Photo by: Edward Tenete) NAMPA

NAMPA

OTJIWARONGO, 22 January 2026 - Sports officer in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Jeaneth Kaundje talks about the Under-20 football trials set to take place on Saturday at the Mokoati Sports Stadium. (Photo by: Mulisa Simiyasa) NAMPA

NAMPA

DAVOS, 21 January 2026 - Director-General of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Kaire Mbuende, addressed a high-level session on ‘The Future of Nuclear Energy in Africa’ at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Tuesday. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

KATIMA MULILO, 22 January 2026 - Security guards from various firms staged a peaceful demonstration at Katima Mulilo on Thursday to demand higher wages and an end to alleged labour exploitation. (Photo by: Michael Mutonga Liswaniso) NAMPA

NAMPA

KATIMA MULILO, 22 January 2026 - Lorna Shalyefu, the acting administration head at the regional office of the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, receives a petition from security guards from various firms who staged a peaceful demonstration at Katima Mulilo on Thursday. (Photo by: Michael Mutonga Liswaniso) NAMPA

NAMPA

GROOTFONTEIN, 21 January 2026 - The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health and Social Service, Nono Katjingisiua pictured at Kombat Clinic on Wednesday. (Photo by: Mulisa Simiyasa) NAMPA

NAMPA