The European Union and four Latin American countries are preparing for a final push to clinch a controversial free trade deal that has been under discussion for 25 years. Backed by Germany and Spain,

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday he hoped a trade deal between the European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc would be signed by the end of this year, even as it faced opposition,

The deal has been 25 years in the making and it aims to create one of the largest free trade zones in the world - but farmers in Europe are heavily opposed to sealing it, saying that they cannot compete with South American livestock producers.

The EU and the South American trade bloc Mercosur are working to finalize a trade deal that has been in negotiation for over 20 years.

France does not get to decide whether a free trade deal between the EU and South America's Mercosur bloc goes ahead -- only Brussels does, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday.

Poland opposes the EU-Mercosur free trade deal with South American countries in its current form, the prime minister said on Tuesday, joining France in standing against an agreement European farmers say will expose them to unfair competition.