A group of 144 MEPs, led by Polish lawmakers including Krzysztof Hetman (PSL), submitted a motion to the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg, confirmed Polish Radio Brussels correspondent Beata Płomecka.
They asked the court to assess whether the Mercosur agreement complies with EU treaties, whether it could be provisionally applied before full ratification by all member states, and whether its provisions limit the EU’s ability to set environmental and consumer health policies.
The court typically takes around two years to issue such opinions.
The motion passed narrowly, with 334 votes in favour, 324 against, and 11 abstentions, highlighting deep divisions within the Parliament.
A second, similar motion backed by right-wing MEPs, including members of Poland’s right-wing PiS, was rejected, with 225 votes in favour and 402 against.
Na sesji Parlamentu Europejskiego w Strasburgu przegłosowany został wniosek w tej sprawie 🔻
Opublikowany przez PolskieRadio24.pl Środa, 21 stycznia 2026
If referred to the court, the agreement could still be applied provisionally pending the ruling and full parliamentary approval, though doing so could provoke further unrest among farmers and create legal uncertainty.
Critics warn that applying the deal before a court ruling could trigger a wave of protests and raise concerns about compliance with EU food safety and environmental standards, as products from Mercosur countries do not always meet the bloc’s strict requirements on pesticides and antibiotics.
The EU signed the agreement over the weekend in Asunción, Paraguay, with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Once in effect, it would create the world’s largest free trade area, covering nearly 20% of global GDP.
The deal aims to reduce tariffs on agricultural products from Mercosur, including beef, poultry, dairy, sugar, and ethanol, while opening South American markets to European industrial goods such as cars, machinery, and pharmaceuticals.
EU lawmakers voted on Wednesday to challenge the European Union's contentious free trade agreement with South America in...
Opublikowany przez Reuters Środa, 21 stycznia 2026
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the deal is “good for Europe – for every member state,” highlighting safeguards for sensitive agricultural sectors, protection of 350 geographical indications, and economic benefits for EU exporters.
Supporters argue the agreement is crucial to boost exports, reduce reliance on China, and offset trade disruptions caused by U.S. tariffs, while Mercosur governments are reportedly growing impatient after 25 years of negotiations.
Opponents, led by France and supported by protesting farmers in Strasbourg, warn the pact could increase imports of cheaper goods that do not meet EU standards, threatening incomes and domestic production.
Over two days, protests involved thousands of participants and hundreds of tractors.
Farmers participate in a protest in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, 20 January 2026. The protest, called by unions against the EU-Mercosur trade deal, drew thousands of farmers from France and other European countries, along with more than 700 tractors.
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Source: Polish Radio/PR24/PAP/Reuters