Overview
- Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will begin provisional application of the pact, with the Commission stressing that full entry into force still requires Parliament’s consent.
- Uruguay and Argentina ratified the agreement this week, while Brazil awaits a Senate vote and Paraguay has yet to complete its congressional process.
- The European Parliament referred the deal to the European Court of Justice, and recent advisory opinions have taken 16 to 26 months, postponing a final EU ratification.
- Berlin and major industry groups, including auto and machinery lobbies as well as chemicals and electronics associations, praised the step for opening export opportunities; Spain also backed the move.
- French President Emmanuel Macron and French farm groups denounced the decision as premature and risky for agriculture, with additional criticism voiced in Poland, Hungary and Romania.