EU clears Mercosur free trade deal for signing
EU member states have approved the signing of a free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc, ending more than 25 years of negotiations and moving the accord to the next stage.
A sufficient majority backed the deal on January 9, despite opposition led by France.
According to EU sources, 21 countries supported the agreement, with Austria, France, Hungary, Ireland and Poland voting against and Belgium abstaining. The decision allows Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to sign the agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay in Asuncion on January 17.
Supporters including Germany and Spain say the deal will help offset trade disruption linked to US import tariffs and reduce reliance on China by improving access to raw materials. Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva described the vote as a historic step for multilateralism.
Opponents, particularly in France, argue that increased imports of beef, poultry and sugar could undermine EU farmers.
The agreement is expected to be the EU’s largest in terms of tariff reductions, removing €4 billion of duties on EU exports. Two-way goods trade between the blocs was valued at €111 billion in 2024.
The deal must still be approved by the European Parliament, with a final vote expected in April or May.
