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…