President Alberto Fernández received the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Buenos Aires.

They discussed the ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement between the EU and the MERCOSUR, which also includes Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay.

At a joint press conference, Mr Fernández affirmed there is political will to seal the agreement with Brussels.

But he warned that the pact must "be balanced" and take into account "the asymmetries" between the regions.

Von der Leyen, for her part, promoted the trade understanding and said it would generate a market of 700 million consumers.

The German politician is currently on a tour of the region: she has already met with president Lula in Brazil and will now continue on to Chile and Mexico.

On the subject of the agreement, the French National Assembly yesterday voted against its approval, citing environmental reasons.

With 281 votes in favor and 51 against, a resolution was passed demanding that the French government does NOT ratify the pact under negotiation.

According to the text approved by the French parliament, the MERCOSUR deal will allow foodstuffs treated with banned pesticides to enter Europe.