EU countries have backed the historic trade deal with Mercosur by qualified majority, paving the way for signing on January 17 in Paraguay. The agreement, negotiated for over 25 years, sparks divisions due to farmers' protests fearing unfair competition. Spain supports the decision, seen as a step toward European strategic autonomy.
The EU Council approved the trade agreement principle with Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) on Friday, creating the world's largest free trade area with over 720 million consumers. The decision, reached by qualified majority after 26 years of negotiations, garnered yes votes from Spain, Germany, and Italy—the latter swayed by concessions like expanded safeguards and advancing 45 billion euros in Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aid for 2028-2034.
France, Poland, Austria, Hungary, and Ireland voted against, while Belgium abstained. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the deal as a signal of commitment to trade diversification in a "hostile and transactional" world. European Council President António Costa called it a "good day for Europe," highlighting benefits for consumers and businesses, with an estimated 84 billion euros increase in exports and 756,000 jobs.
However, Spain's agricultural sector criticizes it harshly. "We are bargaining chips again, now it's an exchange of American cows for European cars," the sector denounced, seeing risks to beef, sugar, citrus, and extensive livestock farms. ASAJA expressed "deep concern" over the lack of reciprocity in sanitary and environmental standards, allowing imports of products with banned substances in the EU. Its president, Pedro Barato, insisted: "If strict standards are required in Europe, the same must apply to incoming products."
In Catalonia, Revolta Pagesa continued protests with roadblocks on the AP-7 and access to Tarragona port. Counselor Òscar Ordeig urged not to risk feed supplies. COAG called it a "sticker swap" that will be the "final nail" for the primary sector, according to its secretary general, Miguel Padilla. UPA sees opportunities for olive oil and wine but threats to other sectors, celebrating improvements from protests.
The deal addresses geopolitical tensions, like Donald Trump's policies and competition with China, diversifying markets and accessing critical raw materials. It still needs ratification by the European Parliament, facing opposition.