Davos, Switzerland (dpa) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticized the European Parliament for taking the disputed EU free trade agreement with four countries from the South American Mercosur bloc to court.
“I regret that the European Parliament has placed another hurdle in our path,” Merz stated to political and business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday. “However, we will not be deterred. The Mercosur deal is equitable and balanced. There is no alternative if we aim for higher growth in Europe.”
Merz expressed hope that the trade agreement would be implemented “provisionally” despite the Parliament’s legal challenge.
The European Parliament voted on Wednesday to submit the Mercosur trade deal, signed last week after extensive negotiations, to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for review.
Waiting for the court’s verdict could significantly prolong the ratification process for the accord with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The timeline for judges at the ECJ in Luxembourg to deliver their ruling is uncertain, but previous evaluations have taken between 16 and 26 months.
The agreement seeks to eliminate trade barriers and customs duties, enhancing the exchange of goods and services, and would establish one of the largest free trade zones globally. (22 January)
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