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How Cypriot MEPs Voted on EU-Mercosur Agreements

Published January 21, 2026, 17:17
How Cypriot MEPs Voted on EU-Mercosur Agreements

Cypriot MEPs held different positions regarding the EU-Mercosur agreements. Lucas Fourlas and Michalis Hadjipantela sought to promote changes to the agreements, which is now unfeasible. On the other hand, Giorgos Georgiou (AKEL) believes the agreement will be implemented by the Commission, despite objections, and speaks of a "democratic deficit". Mr. Georgiou, along with Kostas Mavrides (DIKO), Geadis Geadi (ELAM) and Feidias Panagiotou (independent), voted in favor of the proposal to refer the agreement to the European Court of Justice. Messrs. Fourlas and Hadjipantela voted against the proposal. The MEPs from the EPP had contacts with agricultural organizations in Cyprus and tried to negotiate amendments to the agreement, but the passing of the proposal for referral to the Court cancels this possibility. They believe the agreement could have been applied on terms more favorable to Cyprus. Mr. Georgiou expresses his concern about the lack of transparency and dialogue with agricultural organizations before the agreement was signed, as well as potential negative impacts on Cypriot agricultural products. He points out that the agreement also concerns issues of standards and health, beyond trade. Mr. Mavrides raises the question of the agreement's consistency with the EU's strategic autonomy.