France’s Senate has voted to reject the Mercosur free trade agreement between the European Union and South American countries, following a similar vote in the National Assembly, as farmers continue to protest against a deal they say would bring unfair competition.

In addition to Paris and Warsaw, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands are also concerned about the free-trade agreement's impact on their agricultural sectors. Yet, at this stage, they have not all committed themselves.

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.

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,

Prime Minister Michel Barnier had hoped for a unanimous vote in support of the government's declaration opposing the signing of the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, to strengthen his position in Brussels.

While Germany and Spain strongly endorse the Mercosur deal, France is trying to rally a blocking minority to halt the agreement. It is hopeful that Italy, Austria, Poland and the Netherlands will join Paris.

French farmers are mobilizing for widespread protests Monday, targeting the controversial EU-Mercosur trade agreement.

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