The Parlamento Europeu approved this Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in a plenary session held in Estrasburgo, a resolution that requests the Tribunal of Justiça of the The decision passed with 334 votes in favor, 324 against and 11 abstentions, revealing a clear division between deputies. Essa measure could delay the ratification process of the treaty, signed just four days earlier, on January 17, in Assunção, in Paraguai.
The agreement, concluded after more than 25 years of negotiations, establishes a free trade zone involving União Europeia and the four countries of Mercosul: Brasil, Argentina, Paraguai and Uruguai. Ele foresees the gradual reduction of tariffs and trade barriers, benefiting sectors such as agribusiness, industry and services. However, concerns about environmental impacts and unequal competition for European farmers prompted the request for legal analysis.
The resolution directs the president of Parlamento Europeu to formalize the request to the CJEU. Embora the agreement can, in theory, receive provisional application by decision of Comissão Europeia, experts indicate that the judicial review should prioritize the complete process of entry into force.
Split vote in plenary
European MEPs demonstrated contrasting positions during the debate that preceded the vote. Grupos those in favor of the agreement highlighted opportunities for accessing new markets and strengthening geopolitical relations, while opponents emphasized risks to local agriculture.
The narrow margin of ten votes reflects pressure from different political blocs. Partidos from the center-right and liberals tended to support the review, in line with demands from countries such as França and Irlanda.
European farmer protests
Farmers from several União Europeia countries organized demonstrations in front of the Parlamento building in Estrasburgo during the session. Eles expressed fears that South American products would enter the European market with lower standards than those required locally.
French, German and Polish representatives actively participated in the events. Faixas and tractors marked the protest, which took place peacefully under police monitoring.
Agricultural associations argue that the agreement could increase unfair competition in sectors such as beef and poultry. Eles demand additional guarantees of reciprocity in sanitary and environmental standards.
Review process details
The CJEU does not have a defined maximum period for issuing opinions in procedures such as this. Casos similar recent events took between 16 and 26 months to complete.
The review will focus on the agreement’s compliance with União Europeia treaties, including Acordo and Paris climate commitments. Questões such as environmental protection and labor rights should receive special attention from judges in Luxemburgo.
If the opinion identifies incompatibilities, the treaty will need adjustments before proceeding. Caso Otherwise, the path to ratification by national parliaments will become clearer.
During the waiting period, Comissão Europeia evaluates partial provisional application options. However, the Comércio commissioner indicated that the priority remains on gaining broad support from the Parlamento.
History of prolonged negotiations
Negotiations between União Europeia and Mercosul began in 1999, with frequent interruptions over the decades. Significant Avanços occurred in 2019, but environmental concerns suspended the process.
The recovery gained momentum in 2023, with additional commitments on sustainability. The final text incorporated specific clauses to combat deforestation and protect forests.
The signing on Assunção marked the end of the political phase of the agreement. Líderes of the two blocks celebrated the creation of a free trade area with more than 700 million consumers.
Despite the milestone, internal resistance at Europa persisted. Países as well as França and Áustria have expressed reservations since the final stages of negotiation.
Expected economic impacts
The agreement projects substantial benefits for exporters on both sides. No Mercosul, agricultural sectors such as soy, meat and ethanol should gain preferential access to the European market.
- Reduction of up to 91% in tariffs on European industrial products;
- Gradual opening for South American agricultural exports with limited quotas;
- Protections for geographical indications, such as European cheeses and wines;
- Stimulating investments in infrastructure and technology.
For União Europeia, gains are concentrated in automobiles, machines and chemical products. Estudos estimate an increase of up to 0.3% in European GDP in the long term.
In Brasil, agribusiness represents the main beneficiary. Exportações of animal proteins and grains should grow significantly with the progressive elimination of barriers.
Reactions from the governments involved
Mercosul governments monitor the European decision with caution. Autoridades Brazilian companies highlighted the importance of the agreement for market diversification.
Comissão Europeia reaffirmed its commitment to the treaty. Porta-voices indicated that they will work to clarify doubts during the judicial process.
Environmental and sustainability clauses
The text includes mechanisms for monitoring climate commitments. Sanções can apply in cases of serious non-compliance with environmental targets.
Mercosul countries have committed to implementing Acordo of Paris in full. Medidas against illegal deforestation received reinforcement in a specific annex.
European critics question the effectiveness of these clauses. Eles point out the need for independent verification to ensure practical application.
Environmental organizations are following the case at the CJEU. Elas expect the review to strengthen protections against negative impacts in Amazônia and other regions.
Next steps in the process
The president of Parlamento Europeu will formalize the request to the CJEU in the coming weeks. The court will then appoint a rapporteur for the case.
At the same time, national parliaments prepare debates on ratification. Alguns countries indicate that they are waiting for the judicial opinion before voting.
Comissão Europeia maintains dialogues with stakeholders. Reuniões techniques seek solutions to concerns raised during voting.
The outcome will define the implementation schedule. Partes interested parties await clear guidance on the provisional application of non-controversial chapters.
Detailed sector benefits
European industrial sectors celebrate expanded access to South American markets. Empresas of automobiles and pharmaceuticals project export expansion.
At Mercosul, small and medium-sized companies receive support to adapt to European standards. Programas of training are part of the cooperation package.
The agreement covers digital services and government procurement. Regras Modern technologies facilitate transatlantic e-commerce.
Independent studies point to the creation of jobs in integrated production chains. Efeitos positives are concentrated in exporting regions of both blocks.
Challenges for effective implementation
Monitoring social clauses represents an additional obstacle. Sindicatos Europeans demand guarantees of equivalent labor standards.
Intellectual property issues require progressive harmonization. Proteção technological innovations are among the priorities of União Europeia.
Bilateral dialogues continue to resolve technical issues. Comitês sets will supervise the initial application phase.
Judicial review provides an opportunity for legal clarification. Especialistas believe that specific adjustments can resolve any identified incompatibilities.
