In a surprising turn of events, hopes for a swift conclusion to the EU-Mercosur trade deal were dashed during the recent meeting in Rio de Janeiro. The intricate negotiations encountered a hurdle as Brazil, currently presiding over Mercosur, emphasized the necessity of approval from the newly inaugurated Argentinian government, spearheaded by the anarcho-capitalist Javier Milei. This unexpected development led to the abrupt cancellation of the planned visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.