European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in Uruguay to finalize a long-delayed trade deal between the European Union (EU) and South America's Mercosur bloc, despite opposition from France and EU countries. The deal, which would create one of the world's largest trade partnerships and increase the flow of beef and grains, is expected to be announced on Friday. However, the deal faces steep opposition from European farmers who fear cheap imports of South American commodities. Despite this, other EU members like Germany see the deal as vital for trade diversification and for accessing critical minerals like lithium from Mercosur countries.