Overview
- Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the pact could be applied on an interim basis this year, while the European Commission noted no final decision has been made.
- Member states’ Council lawyers say provisional application is possible once at least one Mercosur country ratifies, with the first ratification expected in the first half of the year.
- The European Parliament narrowly requested a European Court of Justice review of the deal’s compatibility with EU law, slowing the path to full ratification.
- Schleswig-Holstein’s state parliament urged Berlin to pursue provisional application, reflecting pressure from regional actors to move ahead.
- Backers highlight export gains for autos, machinery and pharmaceuticals and stress limited tariff‑rate quotas for sensitive farm goods, as many European farmers warn of tougher competition.