Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. STATE OF THE DISUNION In what has become a ritualized political spectacle, Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, laying out her priorities for the year ahead. She touched on topics ranging from competitiveness to Gaza and the housing crisis to climate change. However, by trying to speak to everyone, she may have satisfied no one. EPP leader Manfred Weber accused the left of sabotaging trade deals, while S&D’s leader Iratxe García Pérez in return branded him the “main enemy” of von der Leyen’s fragile coalition. Caught in the middle, Renew rolled its eyes at what Valérie Hayer dismissed as a “pathetic spectacle,” urging the Commission President to step up as referee before her majority crumbles.…

Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. MERCOSUR: CHEAP BEEF, EXPENSIVE FOR THE PLANET The Commission has finally unveiled the legal texts for the long-delayed -and much dreaded-Mercosur trade pact, setting the stage for a ratification battle that could prove damaging for the EU’s reputation. The agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay promises to increase EU exports by 39% and provide cheaper access to critical raw materials, such as lithium and niobium. However, there is fierce opposition: NGOs warn that the deal with four of the Mercosur countries will lead to increased deforestation and undermine EU climate goals. They also regret the Commission's strategy to sneak the deal through by taking the political part out, so that the “interim trade agreement” can be adopted without a unanimity…