Overview
- MEPs vote Wednesday on whether to ask the European Court of Justice to review the agreement, a step that could delay ratification by a year or longer.
- Roughly 5,000 farmers and hundreds of tractors gathered outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg to oppose increased agricultural imports.
- The EU signed a partnership and an interim trade agreement with Mercosur on January 17, but the trade chapter still requires Parliament’s consent and the broader pact also needs national ratifications.
- Right‑wing groups filed a no‑confidence motion against the Commission over the deal, which drew little broader support as Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic defended its strategic value.
- Backers highlight projected EU export gains of up to 39% and about €4 billion in annual tariff savings, while environmental groups and several member states voice concerns over sustainability provisions and farm competition.