politics

January 22, 2026

EU free trade pact on hold as farmers revolt

The EU Parliament has sent the Mercosur trade deal for judicial review amid opposition by farmers groups across the bloc

EU free trade pact on hold as farmers revolt

TL;DR

  • The European Parliament voted to send the Mercosur trade agreement to the EU Court of Justice for review.
  • The move comes amidst farmer protests across the EU and criticism of Ursula von der Leyen's procedural handling of the deal.
  • The trade pact with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay aims to create the world's largest free trade zone.
  • MEPs voted 334 in favor to 334 against, with 11 abstentions, to request the CJEU's assessment.
  • Farmers are protesting concerns that the deal could lead to cheaper imports undercutting their livelihoods.
  • Von der Leyen promoted the deal as a choice for 'fair trade over tariffs'.

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