"Farmers and protesters burnt a huge bonfire, blocked roads with tractors and clashed with police in Brussels on Thursday, in the latest demonstrations against the Mercosur trade deal and reforms to the Common Agricultural policy. It coincided with the European Council meeting, 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."