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Published on
17/01/2026 – 17:58 GMT+1

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday hailed the choosing of “fair trade over tariffs” as the European bloc signed a major trade deal with South America’s Mercosur nations that has been 25 years in the making.

“We choose fair trade over tariffs, we chose a productive long-term partnership over isolation,” Von der Leyen said at the ceremony in Asuncion, Paraguay.

European Council head Antonio Costa said the deal sent “a message of defense of free trade, based on rules, of multilateralism and international law as the basis for relations between countries and regions.”

He said it stood in contrast to “the use of trade as a geopolitical weapon.”

Negotiated over 25 years, the Mercosur agreement would create a free-trade zone of roughly 700 million people, gradually eliminating about 90% of tariffs across the industrial, services and agricultural sectors. The European Commission estimates that EU companies would save more than €4 billion a year in customs duties. Mercosur countries have also pledged to open their public-procurement markets to European firms on the same terms as domestic competitors.

The deal provides for the recognition of 344 “geographical indications”, protecting European products from imitation, and is also intended to secure supplies of critical minerals, reducing the EU’s dependence on China.

The agreement has crystallised divisions within the bloc.

Supporters – led by Germany and Spain – argue the EU needs new trade ties as the US closes its market and China pursues an increasingly aggressive trade policy. Opponents, spearheaded by France, say the deal threatens European farmers by exposing them to unfair competition from Latin American imports.

The ball is in the European Parliament’s court

Paris ultimately failed to assemble a blocking minority to stop the signing, losing the decisive support of Italy at the last minute. Rome backed the deal after securing funding for its farmers from 2028 and an exemption from the EU’s carbon border tax on fertilisers.

Despite opposing the agreement, France secured a safeguard clause allowing tariffs to be reintroduced if imports from Mercosur rise by more than 5% in sensitive sectors.

The deal also caps tariff-free access for key agricultural products. Annual beef imports will be limited to 99,000 tonnes at a reduced tariff of 7.5%, equivalent to 1.5% of EU production. Poultry imports will be capped at 180,000 tonnes a year, or 1.3% of EU output.

According to Commission estimates, EU exports to Mercosur countries are expected to rise 39% (€48.7 billion) by 2040, while imports from Latin America would increase 16.9% (€8.9 billion).

However, as French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X last week, “the signing of the agreement does not mark the end of the story.”

With the deal now signed, the ball is in the European Parliament’s court. Ratification requires lawmakers’ consent, and MEPs remain split largely along national lines, even as supporters hope backing from EU governments will sway undecided colleagues.

Opponents are set to test that support as early as next week, when lawmakers vote on a resolution calling for the agreement to be challenged before the EU’s top court.

Devon is awash with natural and historic attractions – great news for wildlife lovers and culture vultures heading here on a £9.50 Holiday.

Whether you’re fascinated by stories of the navy’s past, exhilarated by the sheer beauty of the coast or prefer to visit age-old market towns, there’s something to excite every type of traveller.

Of course, Devon is blessed with natural wonders such as its two national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, complete with its dark sky status.

You’ve also got five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to explore: Blackdown Hills, East Devon, North Devon Coast, South Devon and the Tamar Valley.

These are packed with natural and historical attractions, like the Tamar’s rich mining heritage landscape and the North Devon Biosphere, England’s largest sand dune system located around Braunton Burrows.

Among the top-rated historic attractions in Devon are Saltram, a Georgian house and gardens in Plympton, the 600-year-old Dartmouth Castle and Coleton Fishacre, a 1920s house with a grand garden in Kingswear.

We’ve spoken to local experts, plus Sun readers who have already enjoyed a £9.50 Holiday in this beautiful part of the world, to discover their recommendations for Devon’s best natural and historic attractions. Here’s what they said…

Walk, coasteering and belly boarding at Baggy Point

Surrounded by Croyde’s crashing waves and spectacular cliffs, Baggy Point is an impressive headland in North Devon.

The 300-ft-high site has an interesting history.

During the Second World War, it was used by the American forces to train for the Normandy Landings (lookout for the telltale remnants of this past, including dummy pillboxes on the plateau).

You can explore Baggy Point on foot, which Paul Braithwaite, General Manager at Ruda Holiday Park, recommends.

He says: “It takes about half an hour to get to the top, but you get incredible coastal scenery and some spectacular photo opportunities up there.”

Thrill-seekers can see the cliffs from a different angle with a coasteering session – or you can borrow one of the six wooden belly boards for free from the Baggy Point kiosk (during summer months) and leap into the sea of your own accord.

Meet Verity

Overlooking the Bristol Channel on Baggy Point in North Devon, a pregnant woman wields a sword overhead and holds the scales of justice while standing on a pile of law books.

This arresting sight is actually a 60ft bronze and steel sculpture called Verity.

It was created by world-famous artist Damien Hirst, who described it as a “modern allegory of truth and justice”.

Hirst, who lives in Ilfracombe, has loaned the statue to the town for 20 years, starting from when it was unveiled in 2012.

Tessa Lomas, owner of Sea Sauna in nearby Saunton recommends strolling to Stacc afterwards for cocktails and cake. Tessa, 31, said: “The pastry chef there is amazing and it’s all really good quality.”

Wildlife spotting in the national parks

Devon has two national parks, Exmoor and Dartmoor.

Both free to visit, they are incredible places to explore whether on foot, by bike or even on horseback (guided rides available).

While landlocked Dartmoor is famous for its granite “tors” and ponies, in north-east Devon, Exmoor meets the coast, and is also the UK’s first dark skies conservation area.

During the day, keep your eyes peeled for rare species, including butterflies and birds such as red grouse. The Valley of Rocks and Lynton circular walk offers plenty of wildlife spotting and coastal views.

See shipwrecks in South Devon

The rocky coast of Devon has been the cause of thousands of shipwrecks (some estimates suggest up to 5,000).

And you can get a glimpse of some of them if you know where to look.

Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay, suggests Hope Cove in South Devon where the wreckage of Empire Harry is visible at low tide.

She said: “You can hire a paddleboard from Bigbury-on-Sea (try Discovery Surf) or just take your snorkel. You can sometimes see seals hanging out there, too.”

After, swing by Hope & Anchor for a pint near the beach.

Park life

Sun reader Richard Tilley visited Cockington Country Park during his recent £9.50 Holiday at Parkdean Resorts Torquay.

The park is a mix of manicured gardens and rural countryside and woodland, with a historic manor house, thatched cottages and 11th-century church.

Richard, 62, from Devizes in Wiltshire, said: “It has a big old-fashioned cricket green and a little lake and stream. We had a cup of tea and visited all the little craft units.

“My partner watched the glass blowers and bought a bauble as a souvenir.”

Tip: Although the park is free to visit, you have to pay for parking (£1.80 per hour or £7 for four hours and over).

Market madness

For a shopping trip with a historic twist, Sun reader Dawn Brannigan recommends heading to Barnstaple Pannier Market in North Devon.

The current Guildhall building dates back to 1826, but Barnstaple’s trading history goes back even further, to Saxon times.

Dawn, 54, from Wakefield, was staying nearby at Golden Coast Holiday Park in Woolacombe when she visited Pannier Market.

She said: “It’s an indoor market with a historic feel. There’s also the Pottington car boot sale where I picked up loads of bargains.”

Royal William Yard and Drake’s Island

Plymouth has a fascinating naval history – after all, this is where the English fleet left in 1588 to confront the Spanish Armada.

The regenerated Royal William Yard area is steeped in history, having kept the naval fleet afloat in the 19th century.

Today, the restored Grade I and II Listed buildings are home to pulsing restaurants, galleries, shops and events such as live music and food markets.

Gem Krupa recommends the ferry to Drakes Island for history buffs, saying: “You can get a ferry through Plymouth Sound and do a tour of the island. You will see old cannons, mysterious tunnels and maybe even seals on the rocks.”

Wild swimming

Around a 35-minute drive inland from the South Devon coastline is a fantastic wild swimming spot on the River Dart.

Daniel Start, author of the new Wild Guide South West, said: “It’s one of the most beautiful wild swimming rivers in the UK.

In a deep gorge far upstream of Newbridge, you can lie out on the flat hot rocks above the serene beauty of Horseshoe Falls, a natural horseshoe-shaped water”fall.

“Below a deep pool, perfect for a refreshing swim, with opportunities for jumps from the surrounding rocks. From here a picturesque footpath leads up to the perfect village of Holne with a pretty pub.”

If you’re a history buff or nature lover, look no further than Lincolnshire for your £9.50 Holiday this year.

After all, this is a county that is not only home to some of England’s most historic buildings and documents, but also has a coastline packed with nature reserves rolling into the unspoilt countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds. 

A great starting point for your deep dive into history would be Lincoln with its impressive Cathedral and rare Magna Carta status, or a Georgian market town like Louth.

For something more out-of-the-ordinary, you could hop onto a vintage steam train or discover the small, family-run Claythorpe Watermill that dates back 300 years (tip: seasonal opening, closed in winter).

And to embrace nature, you could simply gaze at the sea and birdlife from the comfort of a marine observatory, explore a nature reserve or even witness seal pups being born.

We’ve spoken to Sun readers who have visited Lincolnshire on £9.50 Holidays to get their recommendations of the best local natural and historic attractions to visit.

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We’ve also asked local experts and holiday park staff for their top tips, and have our own suggestions, with options that are all within easy reach of your £9.50 Holiday.

Here’s what you need to know…

Explore Louth

Around half an hour inland, Louth is a historic market town that’s home to the tallest mediaeval parish church spire in England.

Alex Trembath, creator of the Lincoln and Beyond blog, said: “You can climb 199 steps to the top of St James’ Church with its 55-metre-high tower for views all the way to the coast.”

A great way to keep costs down is to use the Callconnect Bus Service, which runs six days a week (Monday to Saturday).

Joanne Green, General Manager at Sunnydale holiday park, said: “You can call or use the app and they will pick you up from the park and take you to Louth for £2 for a single ticket.”

Once you’re in Louth, Joanne recommends the weekly markets that sell everything from fresh bread to local meats and crafts.

She added: “Louth is lovely. It’s quite an oldie woldie town with little trinket shops, delicatessens and locally owned businesses.”

Vintage woodland cinema

How about a cinema experience with a difference? The Kinema In The Woods is an old-fashioned, two-screen cinema dating back to 1922.

Housed inside a 19th-century sports pavilion in Woodhall Spa, it’s the UK’s only fully functioning cinema in the UK to use back projection, and watching a film here is like heading inside a time warp.

Sarah Al-Aidi, General Manager at Southview Holiday Park, said: “They have old-fashioned confectionery and during the intermission, an organist comes up through the stage – so it’s a real event.

Just around the corner, there’s the vintage Tea House in the Woods so you could go for a cream tea before a movie night (cream teas cost £7.50).”

Cathedrals and castles in Lincoln

For a dose of culture, it’s worth making the hour’s drive inland to Lincoln.

This compact city has a rich history, with Roman waterways, Viking street names and a Medieval Bishops’ Palace to discover.

It’s also home to the Lincoln Cathedral, which was the world’s tallest building for two centuries and Lincoln Castle, which was built by William the Conqueror and contains one of only four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.

Sun reader Linda McDonnell, 71, is from Lincoln and recommends the historic Bailgate area.

She said: “Have a look at what we call the Bail. It’s got a Roman arch (Newport Arch) and lots of nice cafes and independent shops. There’s so much history there.

“I like the White Hart Hotel, too – it has a good restaurant.”

Lose track of time on a vintage steam train

Alex Trembath recommends the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway for a blend of history and nature.

He said: “You can ride on an old steam train through the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds.

“You can pick from a themed event, like a Santa Special or Father’s Day experience, or even ride in the cab of a steam locomotive from Ludborough to North Thoresby and back.”

While some of the experiences, like riding the footplate and operating a signal box, are for over-18s, kids will love the Santa experience, which includes a journey accompanied by elves and Santa, plus a gift at the end.

See seals at Donna Nook

North of Mablethorpe, Donna Nook is one of the UK’s largest grey seal colonies, and one of only four in England.

More than 2,000 seal pups are born every year on this remote stretch of sand – and you can see them in the breeding season (October to December).

Tip: Make sure you stick to the viewing area. It’s located at the foot of the sand dunes, to minimise disturbance to the seals and keep visitors safe.

Abandoned or injured pups are cared for 12 miles away, at Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre. Come here afterwards to meet rescued seals, seabirds and other animals.

Explore the coastal nature reserve

The Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park is not to be missed, especially if you enjoy wildlife and walking.

Stretching for five miles along the coast from Sandilands to Chapel St Leonards, it incorporates eight nature reserves and numerous beaches.

The vast, open coastline and sand dunes provide the perfect habitat for wildflowers, reptiles and birds – keep your eyes peeled for oystercatchers, short-eared owls and swifts arriving from Africa.

Walking routes range from coastal strolls to long-distance treks inland and there are routes by Lincolnshire County Council you can follow.

Head further south, passing through Skegness, and you’ll reach another nature reserve by the sea – Gibraltar Point.

Alex Trembath recommends this for a day out with the kids, saying: “Gibraltar Point is great for families.

It’s a nature reserve with educational activities on beach, sand dune and saltmarsh habitats.

There is lots of signed information and volunteers so you can ask questions.”

North Sea Observatory

Linda McDonnell recommends the North Sea Observatory as a wet weather option.

Opened in 2018, it’s the UK’s only purpose-built marine observatory. Inside, you’ll find maps and info boards about the surrounding nature, and there are pop-up art exhibitions.

There’s also a cafe, which provides binoculars so you can get the best views of the sea life, which could include wild swans in winter, breeding species in summer and swallows in September.

Linda said: “It’s a great place to go and watch the birds and wildlife, and it’s indoors so good even if it’s raining.”

It’s also a bargain – completely free to enter (although it costs around £1 for two hours parking).

Egypt set up semifinal meeting with Senegal at 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by beating Ivory Coast 3-2 in thriller.

Mohamed Salah scored, and Egypt eliminated the defending champions, Ivory Coast, to move into the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinals with a 3-2 victory.

Liverpool forward Salah nabbed his fourth goal of the tournament – Egypt’s third of the game – in the 52nd minute of Saturday’s encounter, and the Pharaohs needed it, as Ivory Coast threatened to twice come back from two goals down.

Egypt, however, held on in Agadir despite relentless Ivorian pressure, and booked a semifinal date with 2021 champions Senegal in Tangier on Wednesday.

Ivory Coast had a woeful start, as Franck Kessie lost the ball in the midfield after a poor touch and Odilon Kossounou fell over instead of cutting out Emam Ashour’s ball for Omar Marmoush, who scored in the fourth minute.

Ramy Rabia produced a brilliant block to preserve the lead, and then scored himself with a header from a corner in the 32nd.

Ivory Coast finally pulled one back five minutes before the break, when Ahmed Abou El Fotouh bundled in a dangerous Yan Diomande free kick, which Kossounou headed on.

Salah restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion early in the second half, when Rabia caught the Ivorian defence out with a long ball for Ashour, who set up Salah with the outside of his boot.

Guela Doue pulled another one back with his heel in a goalmouth scramble, after goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy clawed the ball away in the 73rd, but the equaliser never came.

Egypt are bidding for a record-extending eighth AFCON title.

Earlier, three-time champions Nigeria, who lost the final to Ivory Coast in the last edition, beat Algeria 2-0 to set up a semifinal meeting with Morocco.

The Super Eagles are bidding to win the title for the first time since 2013.

It would help make up for the disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup, in contrast with the team they defeated in the quarterfinal, Algeria.

Mohamed Salah has scored as 10-man Egypt have beaten South Africa 1-0 in Agadir to become the first qualifiers for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Liverpool star converted a penalty on 45 minutes on Friday, and South Africa were denied a spot kick late in the second half when Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball inside the box.

Salah came to Morocco after not starting in five Liverpool matches and his omission leading to an outburst against manager Arne Slot.

Egypt were reduced to 10 men in first-half added time when right back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card for a stamp, followed by a red.

After two rounds in Group B, record seven-time champions Egypt have six points and are guaranteed a top-two finish in the group stage and a place in the round of 16.

South Africa have three points and Angola and Zimbabwe one each after they drew 1-1 in Marrakesh earlier on Friday.

The first chance fell to Salah after 11 minutes, but he could not move forward quickly enough to connect with a low cross from Hany.

That the majority of the crowd were supporting the Pharaohs became obvious soon after when the Burundi referee ignored Zizo’s appeals for a free kick and loud whistling enveloped the stadium.

When Salah delivered a free kick into the heart of the South African area, three Egyptians darted forward, but none could connect with the ball.

Midway through the opening half, a pattern had developed. Egypt were pushing forward regularly while South Africa defended with calmness and solid tackling.

When South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena fouled Omar Marmoush just outside the D, he was yellow-carded. However, the Manchester City striker fired the resultant free kick wide.

As the first half progressed, the sun broke out in the southern coastal city – a welcome sight for players and spectators with many earlier group matches staged in torrential rain.

A rare South Africa attack ended disappointingly as Lyle Foster struck a weak shot that was comfortably saved by 37-year-old Mohamed El Shenawy.

Awarded a free kick close to the touchline, South Africa performed an intricate, multipass move that ended tamely as El Shenawy clutched a cross.

Salah was being closely policed by Aubrey Modiba, and as half-time drew near, the Liverpool star retreated into the Egyptian half to retain possession.

Then, as the Egypt captain chased a loose ball with Khuliso Mudau, the South African right back raised his left arm, striking Salah’s left eye.

Amid Egyptian protests, the Burundian referee viewed the incident on a VAR monitor and pointed to the penalty spot.

A lengthy delay before the kick was taken could not have eased the nerves of Salah, but he comfortably converted the penalty as Ronwen Williams dived in the wrong direction.

More drama erupted in added time when Hany stamped on Mokoena, leading to a second yellow card for the defender.

South Africa, with a numerical advantage, attacked more as the second half progressed, but Egypt came close to a second goal with Williams foiling substitute Emam Ashour after a quick free kick.

El Shenawy displayed his agility with 15 minutes remaining, using his right hand to tip to safety a low shot from Foster. It was one of several saves that kept Egypt ahead.

Angola and Zimbabwe keep alive AFCON hopes

Veteran Knowledge Musona scored as Zimbabwe came from behind to draw 1-1 with Angola in Marrakesh to kick off the second round of AFCON matches earlier in the day.

Gelson Dala put Angola ahead midway through the first half, and recalled Musona levelled deep in first-half added time.

A draw in Group B suited neither team, leaving both two points adrift of joint leaders Egypt and South Africa after having played one match more.

Only the top two finishers in each group automatically qualify for the knockout phase. The best four third-placed teams from the six mini-leagues also will advance.

Bill Antonio wasted a good chance to give Zimbabwe an early lead when he blazed wide from close range before a small crowd.

Angola recovered quickly to establish control and took the lead after 24 minutes through Qatar-based striker Dala.

A superb lobbed pass from To Carneiro dropped in front of Dala inside the box, and he squeezed the ball between the near post and 40-year-old goalkeeper Washington Arubi.

Musona, one of four changes to the Zimbabwe lineup after a 2-1 loss to Egypt in Agadir four days earlier, became increasingly involved as the Warriors sought an equaliser.

Musona wasted a free kick opportunity by hitting the ball into the defensive wall, then shot wide, much to the frustration of Romanian coach Marian Marinica, who repeatedly shook his head.

Hugo Marques, the 39-year-old Angola goalkeeper, had his head heavily bandaged before continuing after a collision with an opponent.

The perseverance of Musona finally paid off six minutes into added time at the end of the opening half when he equalised.

After Angola were dispossessed in midfield, Zimbabwe counterattacked swiftly, and a superb pass found Musona inside the box.

He struck a slow shot between the legs of Carneiro and just wide of the outstretched right leg of Marques into the net.

As both sides sought a second goal and the lead, Marques rescued Angola 12 minutes from the end of regular time with an acrobatic one-hand save of an attempt by substitute Tawanda Chirewa.