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Cypriot MEPs Divided on EU-Mercosur Agreements

Published January 21, 2026, 17:19
Cypriot MEPs Divided on EU-Mercosur Agreements

Cypriot MEPs have expressed differing views on the EU-Mercosur agreements. Lucas Fourlas and Michalis Hadjipantela (EPP) had promoted amendments to the agreements, which are now unlikely to be made, while Giorgos Georgiou (AKEL) expresses concerns about a “democratic deficit” and believes that the agreement will be put into effect by the Commission. Mr. Georgiou argues that the agreement could be referred to the EU Court of Justice, while Mr. Mavridis (DIKO) raises the question of the consistency of increasing imports from non-EU countries with the Union's strategic autonomy. Mr. Geadis (ELAM) and Fidias Panayiotou (independent) voted in favor of the proposal to refer the matter to the Court. Mr. Fourlas and Mr. Hadjipantela emphasized that they had contacts with agricultural organizations in Cyprus and had proposed amendments, which will no longer be implemented. They believe that the approval of the referral proposal removes any possibility of pressure in the European Parliament. Mr. Mavridis expressed the opinion that in an international trade agreement like Mercosur, no one should be worse off, while he believes that there will be negative consequences for some. All MEPs support the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU.