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Argentina’s Lower House Backs MercosurEU Deal, Sending Ratification to the Senate

Senate consideration now becomes the pivotal step, with EU court review likely to determine when any provisions could take effect.

Overview

  • The Chamber of Deputies approved the ratification bill 203–42, with 4 abstentions, advancing the text to the Senate.
  • Support spanned government allies and parts of the opposition, including PRO and UCR, while factions linked to La Cámpora and Juan Grabois opposed it.
  • The government is pressing for a Senate vote before March 1, positioning Argentina to be first to ratify should European institutions allow provisional application.
  • On the EU side, the European Parliament has referred the pact to the Court of Justice, a process that could take months to two years, though the European Commission could opt for provisional entry into force.
  • The roughly 5,000‑page agreement would phase out tariffs on about 90–92% of trade, promising gains for agricultural exports as Argentine industry urges safeguards for SMEs.