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EU Parliament Sends Mercosur Trade Deal to Top Court, Delaying Ratification

The referral pauses Parliament’s consent, pressuring Brussels to decide on provisional application.

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Farmers from across Europe protest as the European Parliament votes on Wednesday on whether to refer the EU-Mercosur trade agreement to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), in Strasbourg, France, January 21, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
Farmers from across Europe protest as the European Parliament votes on Wednesday on whether to refer the EU-Mercosur trade agreement to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), in Strasbourg, France, January 21, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman

Overview

  • Lawmakers voted 334–324, with 11 abstentions, to seek a CJEU opinion, blocking a consent vote for an estimated 18 to 24 months.
  • The European Commission said it regrets the decision as Germany urged provisional application, setting up a clash over democratic oversight.
  • France hailed the move as consistent with its stance, and Hungary said it will not ratify the pact while the current government remains in office.
  • Police estimated about 4,500 farmers rallied in Strasbourg to oppose the agreement over concerns about cheaper imports produced under different standards.
  • The accord would remove tariffs on more than 90% of bilateral trade, boosting EU exports like cars, wine and cheese and easing access for South American beef, poultry, sugar, rice, honey and soybeans.