European leaders signed the EU-Mercosur trade deal on Saturday with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, aiming to strengthen the bloc’s strategic and economic position. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the agreement “25 years in the making” and described it as an “achievement of a generation” that prioritizes long-term partnerships over tariffs.

The deal, which would create a transatlantic free-trade zone, is seen by supporters as vital for countering China’s growing influence in Latin America. EU imports from Mercosur countries have fallen behind China’s share, reversing a trend seen in 2000 when the EU’s presence was six times larger. Advocates also argue the deal will diversify EU trade amid tighter US market access and growing reliance on Chinese materials and technology.

However, the agreement has exposed deep political divisions within the EU, with France emerging as the most vocal opponent. Paris voted against the deal in a key Council vote on 9 January, despite a majority of member states backing it. Critics in France argue the deal threatens domestic agriculture, exposing farmers to competition from Latin American imports that may not meet EU production standards.

The debate has intensified ahead of the European Parliament’s ratification process, scheduled to begin Monday. Lawmakers remain divided along national lines. France, Poland, Hungary, Ireland, and Austria opposed the deal, while Belgium abstained. In France, the issue has become a political flashpoint, feeding eurosceptic sentiment and prompting far-right Rassemblement National leader Jordan Bardella to launch a no-confidence motion in both the European Parliament and the National Assembly.

Supporters of the deal counter that France’s agricultural struggles are largely home-grown and point to concessions built into the agreement, including environmental safeguards, tariff-rate quotas for sensitive products such as beef and poultry, and a €45 billion support package for EU farmers from 2028. Despite these measures, Paris remains unconvinced, with President Emmanuel Macron noting that the deal would raise EU GDP by just 0.05% by 2040 and that tariff reductions on EU cars would be phased in over 18 years.

Other EU sectors stand to benefit from the agreement, particularly services, dairy, wine, spirits, and access to public procurement markets. Spanish MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez emphasized the deal’s importance in a “geopolitical and geo-economic context,” citing the need to negotiate on equal terms amid global trade tensions. German MEP Svenja Hahn highlighted that fears of agricultural disruption may be overstated, noting low utilization of quotas in similar deals like CETA.

After 25 years of negotiations, the Mercosur deal represents one of the EU’s most ambitious trade agreements. While supporters hope to build momentum for ratification in the European Parliament, opposition in France and a broader eurosceptic wave in parts of the bloc could complicate its implementation. Analysts warn that the deal’s political fallout may last longer than its economic impact, particularly in France, where public resistance to free-trade agreements runs deep.

Uzbekistan is moving forward with an ambitious plan to reshape its capital with the “New Tashkent” project, a purpose-built city designed to meet the demands of rapid population growth while promoting sustainability and modern urban living. Launched in March 2023 under Tashkent’s Master Plan through 2045, New Tashkent is planned to cover 20,000 hectares between the Chirchik and Korasuv rivers, positioning it as a major new urban hub rather than a suburban extension.

The city is expected to accommodate around 2 million residents and generate 200,000 high-income jobs driven by technology and innovation. It will feature smart-city innovations, modern amenities, and buildings built to international green standards, ensuring energy efficiency, climate resilience, and healthy living environments.

Urbanization pressures in Uzbekistan are mounting. By mid-2025, more than 19.3 million people, roughly 51 percent of the population, are projected to live in urban areas, compared with 18.6 million in rural regions. Tashkent itself officially has 3.1 million residents, but daily numbers may be 30–35 percent higher when including students and internal migrants. The concentration of 98 universities in the city continues to draw young people, intensifying demand for housing, transport, and social services.

Sustainability is central to New Tashkent’s design. Buildings will adhere to internationally recognised standards such as LEED, BREEAM, and EDGE, promoting energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials. Green roof technology, rainwater collection systems, and other measures aim to reduce energy demand and improve resilience to climate extremes. The city’s energy infrastructure includes existing hydropower, a 400-megawatt solar farm, a new 100-megawatt solar installation, and a tri-generation facility converting waste into electricity and heat. Experts estimate that even modest efficiency gains could save over 900 million kilowatt-hours annually.

Transport planning is integral to the project. A 21-kilometre metro line will connect New Tashkent to the capital, while tram lines and eight multimodal transfer hubs will allow seamless switching between metro, tram, buses, bicycles, and scooters. The city is being designed around the 15-minute city concept, making walking, cycling, and public transport convenient for residents.

Urban planners are using a radial city model to prioritize walkability and access to services. Green infrastructure, parks, riverfronts, and cycling lanes will be integrated to create a connected, pedestrian-friendly environment. A cultural island at the intersection of artificial canals will serve as a social and recreational focal point, while the city’s waterways and green spaces will foster a comfortable microclimate.

By the end of 2025, construction had reached 3 million square metres. Several ministries have started operations from temporary facilities, and infrastructure projects include a €86 million underground parking facility with automated systems, bicycle rentals, and EV charging stations. Residential development includes the 95-hectare Sharq Bahori complex for 15,000 households, while New Uzbekistan University is being built to serve 10,000 students. A 55,000-seat FIFA-standard stadium is under construction ahead of the 2027 U-20 World Championship, which Uzbekistan will co-host with Azerbaijan.

New Tashkent is positioned as a blueprint for sustainable urban development in Central Asia, combining technology, green infrastructure, and strategic planning to support Uzbekistan’s rapidly growing urban population.