Thursday, January 22, 2026-European Union lawmakers have voted to delay the ratification of a long‑negotiated EU‑Mercosur free trade agreement with South American countries, citing serious legal concerns about how the pact aligns with EU treaties.
In a narrow vote in Strasbourg, members of the European Parliament approved sending the agreement to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for a legal review before giving their consent, with 334 votes in favour and 324 against, and 11 abstentions. This move effectively prevents parliamentary approval until the court issues its opinion, a process that could take many months.
The trade deal—25 years in the making—was signed earlier this month and aims to eliminate more than 90 percent of tariffs between the EU and the Mercosur bloc, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, creating one of the world’s largest free‑trade zones covering around 700 million consumers.
Proponents argue the pact would strengthen economic ties, boost trade, and support EU competitiveness amid global protectionism. However, critics, particularly from agricultural sectors and countries like France, fear cheaper imports of beef, poultry, and other products could undermine local farmers and fail to protect environmental and consumer standards.
The European Commission, which supports the agreement, expressed regret over the parliament’s decision, and officials are discussing whether parts of the deal can be applied provisionally while awaiting the court’s ruling. German leaders have called the delay “regrettable,” arguing that the agreement is both legal and strategically important.
With strong backing in South America and ongoing debates within the EU, the outcome highlights deep political divisions within the bloc over economic policy, legal safeguards, and how to balance trade liberalization with domestic protections.
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