European Parliament rejects criticism of EU leader over Mercosur trade deal

The European Parliament voted against a motion of censure targeting Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. The criticism was linked to the EU's stalled trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc of South American countries.

Analysts say the delay in finalizing the Mercosur deal has damaged von der Leyen's broader geopolitical strategy for the EU. The situation also highlights how domestic political challenges for leaders like France's Emmanuel Macron can weaken their influence in Brussels.