The European Parliament has dealt a blow to the trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc by turning to the judiciary to examine its legality, a decision met with mixed reactions ranging from welcome to reservation.
European lawmakers supported challenging the agreement before the Court of Justice of the European Union by a majority of 334 votes, with 324 members opposing and 11 others abstaining.
This decision will theoretically delay the implementation of the trade agreement with South America for several months. However, in the meantime, the European Commission can implement it on a provisional basis if it so wishes.
There was regret expressed over the decision of the European lawmakers, with calls for its provisional application. Conversely, the French government welcomed the lawmakers’ vote, considering that the Parliament “expressed its position in a manner consistent” with its own stance.
Farmers greet the vote with cheers of joy
Outside the European Parliament headquarters in Strasbourg, farmers greeted the vote with cheers of joy. The number of protesters was estimated at around 600, who continued to gather in front of the headquarters the day after a demonstration that included thousands of their colleagues.
The French trade union alliance, the leading agricultural union force in France, stated that the European Parliament’s vote constitutes a “union victory,” warning against the implementation of the agreement even on a provisional basis.
Turning to the court could delay the European Parliament’s final vote to ratify the agreement, signed with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, by a year and a half.
Creating one of the world’s largest free trade areas
These member states of the Mercosur bloc and the European Union signed the agreement on Saturday in Paraguay, which stipulates the creation of one of the world’s largest free trade areas, despite concerns raised by the agricultural sector in several European countries.
These two blocs together represent 30% of global GDP and include more than 700 million consumers. The European Commission has been conducting talks on this agreement since 1999 with the founding members of the Mercosur bloc.
Several countries in the European Union have witnessed large-scale protests against the agreement, and it has also been opposed by large sectors of civil society in Mercosur countries.
European Parliament
The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the European Union, first established as the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952. It gained its current name and increased powers with the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, evolving from a consultative assembly into a co-legislator with the Council of the European Union on most EU laws. Its members are elected by EU citizens every five years, and it holds plenary sessions in both Strasbourg, France, and Brussels, Belgium.
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 European countries, founded after World War II to foster economic cooperation and prevent future conflict. Its origins trace to the 1951 European Coal and Steel Community, which evolved through treaties into a single market with common policies and a shared currency, the euro, used by many member states.
Mercosur
Mercosur, officially the Southern Common Market, is a South American trade bloc established in 1991 by the Treaty of Asunción. Its founding members—Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—aimed to promote regional economic integration and political cooperation. Over time, it has expanded to include other associate and observer states, though it has faced challenges in achieving deeper economic union.
Court of Justice of the European Union
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is the judicial authority of the European Union, established in 1952 and based in Luxembourg. Its primary role is to ensure EU law is interpreted and applied uniformly across all member states, and it has been instrumental in shaping European integration through landmark rulings.
South America
South America is a continent of diverse landscapes and cultures, with a history shaped by ancient civilizations like the Inca, colonization by European powers such as Spain and Portugal, and subsequent waves of independence in the 19th century. It is home to iconic sites like Machu Picchu, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Galápagos Islands, each reflecting its rich natural and cultural heritage.
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing EU policies. It was formally established in 1967 as part of the Merger Treaty, consolidating earlier executive bodies to act in the general interest of the EU.
France
France is a Western European nation with a rich cultural and historical legacy, dating from ancient Gaul through the rise of the Frankish Kingdom and into a major global power. It is renowned for its influential art, philosophy, and cuisine, and is home to iconic sites like the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower. The country’s history was profoundly shaped by events such as the French Revolution, which established foundational republican principles.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a historic city in northeastern France, known for its well-preserved medieval center and distinctive Franco-German culture. Its most famous landmark is the Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture begun in the 12th century, while the city’s modern political significance is anchored by its role as the official seat of the European Parliament.
Argentina
Argentina is a South American nation with a rich cultural history shaped by indigenous peoples, Spanish colonization, and waves of European immigration. Its iconic cultural sites include the Teatro Colón opera house in Buenos Aires and the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia, reflecting its diverse artistic and natural heritage.
Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in South America, known for its vast Amazon rainforest and vibrant cultural mix. Its history includes indigenous habitation for millennia, Portuguese colonization beginning in 1500, and independence as an empire in 1822 before becoming a republic in 1889. Today, it is a federal republic celebrated for its diverse music, cuisine, and annual Carnival festival.
Paraguay
Paraguay is a landlocked South American nation with a history shaped by its indigenous Guaraní people and Spanish colonization, which began in the 16th century. Its cultural identity is deeply influenced by the widespread bilingualism of Spanish and Guaraní, and it is known for historical sites like the Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Uruguay
Uruguay is a South American nation known for its progressive social policies and stable democracy, having gained independence from Brazil in 1825 after a period of Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule. Its cultural identity is strongly tied to the gaucho (cowboy) tradition, the tango music of Carlos Gardel, and the national drink, mate. The capital, Montevideo, features the historic Ciudad Vieja district and the iconic Palacio Salvo.
