Brussels, Belgium. EU lawmakers voted to request a review by the EU’s top court of the bloc’s free trade agreement with South American Mercosur countries, a move that could delay the deal by around two years. The pact, signed on Saturday, still requires approval before it can take effect.
Vote to seek EU court opinion
A group of 144 lawmakers submitted a parliamentary motion asking the EU Court of Justice to rule on whether the agreement can be applied before full ratification by all member states and whether its provisions restrict the EU’s ability to set environmental and consumer health policies. The court typically takes around two years to deliver such opinions.
The European Parliament backed the motion with 334 votes in favour, 324 against, and 11 abstentions.
Trade pact and opposition concerns
The European Union signed its largest-ever trade pact with Mercosur members Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Opponents, led by France, the EU’s largest agricultural producer, say the deal will sharply increase imports of cheap beef, sugar and poultry, undercutting domestic farmers who have staged repeated protests.
Provisional application and political implications
If referred to the court, the EU could still apply the pact provisionally pending the ruling and parliamentary approval. However, doing so could be politically difficult given the likely backlash, and the European Parliament would retain the power to annul it later.
Supporters cite trade disruption and strategic aims
Supporters including Germany and Spain pointed to US President Donald Trump’s disruption of global trade. They argued the deal is needed to offset business lost to US tariffs, reduce reliance on China by securing access to critical minerals, and respond to Mercosur governments’ frustration after years of negotiations.
How do you think a court review could affect the timeline and prospects for the EU-Mercosur trade agreement?