Three upcoming votes in the European Parliament could determine the future of the EU-Mercosur trade deal, potentially altering or even derailing what would be the European Union’s largest free trade agreement. The agreement, which took over two decades to negotiate and was finalized last year, requires approval from both EU member states and EU lawmakers to enter into force.

The first vote, scheduled for December’s plenary session, focuses on a bilateral safeguard clause for agricultural products. Proposed in October, the clause aims to protect EU farmers from an influx of cheaper South American goods. Known as the “reciprocity clause,” it would allow the EU to temporarily withdraw tariff preferences for products from Mercosur countries if they fail to meet EU standards for the environment, animal welfare, and production practices.

Belgian MEP Benoit Cassart, a supporter of the clause, said it ensures Mercosur countries establish supply chains that meet EU standards before accessing European markets. The vote on the full safeguard package is set for Tuesday, December 16, in Strasbourg.

If approved, the safeguards would still need agreement from EU member states. A special fast-track procedure could enable Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to travel to Brazil to sign the deal before the end of the year. However, the measure is contentious. Critics argue it could violate World Trade Organization rules and may be impractical to enforce, while some parliamentary amendments might push for removal of the clause.

Support for the clause in the Parliament’s international trade committee (INTA) was narrowly secured by a single vote, with the European People’s Party, Socialists and Democrats, and much of Renew Europe voting against it. Some MEPs representing rural constituencies may support the clause politically, even if they expect it to be rejected later in negotiations with the Council.

Italy’s position remains crucial, as Belgium intends to abstain. Italian backing may be needed to achieve the qualified majority required for approval. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida stressed the importance of ensuring imported products comply with EU environmental and labour standards.

Even if von der Leyen signs a provisional agreement with Mercosur leaders, two additional parliamentary votes in early 2026 could still stall the deal. One will address a legal challenge to the deal submitted by 145 leftist lawmakers, who argue the Commission improperly split the agreement to bypass national parliamentary approval. The second will concern the deal’s final ratification, which is expected to be a closer contest.

Parliamentary sources suggest that while party positions provide guidance, many MEPs may vote based on their national governments’ interests. The outcome of these votes will play a decisive role in shaping the EU-Mercosur trade deal and its potential impact on agriculture, trade, and international relations between Europe and South America.

Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.

Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.

Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.

Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.

Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.

The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.