The Latest Breaking News from Ursula von der Leyen

With politicians facing wars, or their own political battles at home, The Independent looks around the world at what leaders from across the globe have said this Christmas

Leaders of 10 major cities call for action to address ‘one of the most pressing challenges’ facing society

Deal objected to by France will, if ratified, cut tariffs on trade with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay

The European Union and South America's Mercosur trade bloc said Friday they had finalised a free trade agreement that has been decades in the making. But the deal faces a tortuous battle for approval in Europe given opposition from France and other member states.

The EU and four South American countries have concluded a huge, but controversial trade deal that is opposed by France and many European farmers, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced on Friday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the European Union and the Mercosur trade bloc have agreed to terms for a long-anticipated free trade deal

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet leaders of South America's Mercosur bloc on Friday, aiming to push through a controversial pact to create the world's biggest free trade zone despite last-minute resistance.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in Uruguay for the final stages in years-long negotiations to clinch a controversial trade deal between the EU and the South American Mercosur trade bloc that would create a transatlantic market of some 700 million people.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Uruguay for the final stages in years-long negotiations to clinch a trade deal between the 27-nation EU and the South American Mercosur trade bloc that would create a trans-Atlantic market of some 700 million people