*Bolivia’s senate has voted to approve the protocol for the country to become a member of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) trade bloc, which comprises Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. This follows previous approval by the lower chamber of congress on 14 June. Once the bill has been promulgated by President Luis Arce, Bolivia will have four years to align with Mercosur rules and regulations. Arce is due to attend a summit of Mercosur heads of state in Paraguay on 8 July.