"Farmers in France blocked the border with Spain in Boulou on Thursday, in the latest huge protests agains the Mercosur trade deal. "Say Macron says he won't sign, we definitely won't believe him, like all the things he's said before," said Philipp, the owner of a medium-sized farm. "French farmers were completely ignored in Brussels," added Mareline, the owner of a goat milk business. "The EU respects none of our standards or rights." It coincided with the European Council meeting in Brussels, while President Emmanuel Macron told reporters: ""Regarding Mercosur, we believe that the numbers do not add up and that this agreement cannot be signed." The EU's prospective deal with the South American bloc has seen a huge backlash from European farmers concerned about price-undercutting, claiming 'higher' standards on their side will affect competitiveness - and warning of a market 'flooded' with cheap produce. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to be in Brazil for the official signing on Saturday, while France and Italy have called delays. The deal would still need the European Parliament to give final approval. Brazil's Lula da Silva called on Macron and Italy's Giorgia Meloni to get behind the trade deal, with South American leaders insisting the deal is good news for both sides - and will allow key EU experts to their countries too."