Overview
- The European Parliament voted 334–324 (11 abstentions) to seek a Court of Justice review of the pact, halting parliamentary ratification.
- The European Commission and Council say the Commission has the authority to provisionally apply the agreement’s commercial parts once at least one Mercosur state ratifies.
- Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signaled readiness to proceed, while Germany and Spain back swift provisional application and France opposes it.
- Analysts warn the court’s advisory opinion could take over a year, potentially pushing full EU ratification into 2027 or later.
- Farmer groups across several EU countries are mobilizing against the deal over fears of unfair competition and are demanding strict import safeguards and equal standards.