In a vote in Strasbourg, France, lawmakers narrowly approved sending the EU-Mercosur agreement to Europe’s top court to rule on whether it is in line with the bloc’s treaties.

By Lorne Cook, Associated Press

The EU and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries formally signed a long-sought landmark free trade agreement on Saturday, capping more than 25 years of negotiations to strengthen commercial ties in the face of rising protectionism and global trade tensions.

By Nayara Batschke, Isabel DeBre, Associated Press

In Greece, the main highway connecting Athens to the northern city of Thessaloniki was shut in both directions at several points.

By Sylvie Corbet, Derek Gatopoulos, Associated Press

The European Union is delaying a massive free-trade deal with South American countries after fiery protests by farmers and last-minute opposition by France and Italy threatened to derail the pact, seen by its backers as an important geopolitical move for both continents.

By Sam McNeil, Associated Press