The EU–Mercosur trade agreement has entered a new phase of uncertainty. Today, the European Parliament decided to refer the agreement to the Court of Justice of the European Union, effectively suspending the ratification process.
The request concerns a legal assessment of the compatibility of the agreement with EU Treaties, particularly regarding the division of competences between EU institutions and Member States. Until the Court issues its opinion, the Parliament will not be able to proceed with final approval.
Negotiated for over twenty years, the EU–Mercosur agreement aims to create one of the world’s largest free trade areas, with significant implications for agrifood, raw materials, industry, and international trade. However, the referral reflects growing political and sectoral concerns, especially within the European agricultural sector, which has been at the center of protests and calls for stronger safeguards.
In the coming months, attention will focus on the Court of Justice’s opinion, which will be decisive in determining the timeline and conditions for any future entry into force of the agreement.
