“The European Parliament’s decision on the Mercosur Agreement is regrettable,” stated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on X. “It misjudges the geopolitical situation. We are convinced of the agreement’s legality. No more delays. The agreement must now be applied provisionally.”
In Paris, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu welcomed what he described as “an important vote that has to be respected.” Foreign Minister Jean Noël Barrot added: “France takes responsibility for saying no when it is necessary, and history often proves it right. The fight continues to protect our agriculture and ensure our food sovereignty.”
Lawmakers will not vote on final consent to the deal until the Court of Justice issues its opinion, which could take 18 to 24 months. The court can “adjust the pace of the proceedings where institutional or political necessity makes a timely response especially important,” its press service stated.
Democracy vs realpolitik
In principle, the Commission is allowed under the EU treaties to temporarily apply the provisions of the Mercosur deal, which would create a free-trade area for 700 million people and eliminate duties on over 90 percent of goods.
It’s a balanced yet significant tradeoff between democratic accountability and realpolitik as the EU executive seeks ways to stand firm against Washington amidst the ongoing transatlantic rift over President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland.
Manfred Weber, the pro-Mercosur leader of the European People’s Party, supported Merz’s call for provisional application.
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