EU lawmakers refer Mercosur trade deal to top court, risking delay

EU lawmakers have voted to seek a legal opinion from the EU Court of Justice on whether the bloc’s newly signed trade agreement with Mercosur can be applied before full ratification, a move that could delay the pact by up to two years.

The agreement, concluded after 25 years of talks, covers Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay and remains subject to approval.

Friedrich Merz criticised the referral, arguing provisional application is needed amid global trade disruption driven by Donald Trump’s tariff policies.

Key points

• Motion passed 334–324, with 11 abstentions

• Legal review could delay implementation until 2028

• Supporters cite access to critical minerals and reduced China reliance

• Opponents, led by France, warn of pressure on EU farmers

France’s FNSEA welcomed the vote, while European Commission said the concerns had been addressed in previous trade deals.

ℹ️ Reuters 

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Strasbourg, France, 21 January 2026 – Lawmakers voted on whether to refer the EU-Mercosur trade agreement to the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg for legal review.Photo: PAP/Wiktor Dąbkowski
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EU lawmakers refer Mercosur trade deal to top court, risking delay
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