The EU Parliament has narrowly voted to request a legal review of the Mercosur trade agreement by the European Court of Justice. Wednesday's vote delays ratification by months or even years. Supporters criticize the move as a mistake amid geopolitical tensions.
The EU Parliament in Strasbourg voted on Wednesday, by a narrow majority of just ten votes, to approve a motion from the Greens, Left, and Liberals requesting an opinion from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the Mercosur agreement. The court is to examine whether the deal complies with EU treaties. If it finds issues, the agreement would need amendments before entering into force. EU diplomats expect a delay of up to two years.
The agreement with Mercosur states Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay was signed last Saturday by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Paraguay, after approval by the 27 EU member states. The Commission originally planned provisional application, but MEPs felt sidelined and pushed for a vote.
Criticism within the Greens targets the voting behavior. Baden-Württemberg lead candidate Cem Özdemir called it a 'bitter mistake' and urged von der Leyen to implement it provisionally: 'Europe needs the Mercosur agreement for the future more than ever.' Former Greens leader Reinhard Bütikofer echoed this: 'If the European Parliament brakes here, it does Europe a grave disservice.' However, Internal Market Committee Chair Anna Cavazzini (Greens) defended the decision: 'Trade agreements must be legally watertight.'
Supporters including CDU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn, Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, and EPP group leader Manfred Weber (CSU) advocate for swift provisional entry into force. The German auto industry, represented by association head Hildegard Müller, warns: 'Europe weakens itself through the European Parliament's decision.' On Thursday, von der Leyen faces a no-confidence vote over the deal, initiated by the far-right 'Patriots for Europe' group, though success is unlikely.