The EU-Mercosur free-trade deal took provisional effect on Friday after more than 25 years of negotiations, despite a legal challenge before the Court of Justice of the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pushed ahead with provisional application, sidestepping a full parliamentary vote on ratification. The agreement eliminates tariffs on most trade between the EU and Mercosur countries—Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—creating a free-trade zone of over 700 million people. Supporters, including Germany and Spain, view the deal as vital for accessing new markets amid geoeconomic tensions. Critics, led by France and many EU farmers, warn it could weaken environmental standards and damage the agricultural sector. The deal will be halted if the European Court rules against it.