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Fate of Mercosur in the Hands of the European Parliament

Published January 21, 2026, 13:42

The Mercosur trade agreement is at the center of intense debate in the European Parliament, with farmers gathering in Strasbourg to express their opposition. The agreement, which has sparked controversy due to its potential impact on the European agricultural sector, could be referred to the EU Court of Justice if deemed incompatible with European policies. In this case, a decision from the Court would be required before legislative procedures can proceed in member states. MEP Giorgos Georgiou stated that the Left has collected 145 signatures to refer the agreement's text to the European Court of Justice. He explained that a positive decision from the Court would lead to the final approval of the agreement by the European Parliament, while a negative decision would force the European Commission to renegotiate the terms. The protesting farmers argue that Mercosur will lead to unfair competition and undermine Europe's food security. They point out that the agreement does not take into account the environmental and social impacts of agricultural production in Mercosur countries. The discussion about Mercosur highlights the challenges facing the European Union in its effort to combine its trade agreements with the values of sustainability and social justice. The outcome of the debate in the European Parliament will determine the fate of Mercosur and have significant implications for trade relations between Europe and Latin America. The case also highlights the importance of transparency and citizen participation in the decision-making process regarding trade agreements.