EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement: Renew Europe MEPs welcome the start of the formal ratification process

As expected, the European Commission decided to start today the formal ratification of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA). This represents a procedural step in Europe’s trade and geopolitical engagement with Latin America.

Svenja Hahn MEP (FDP, Germany), Renew Europe shadow rapporteur in the International Trade Committee (INTA), said:

“The EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement is an opportunity to strengthen our economic resilience and global competitiveness. By reducing tariffs and improving market access, we help our companies to grow and to diversify supply chains. The Agreement is a crucial step to decrease dependencies and to build new partnerships in times of geopolitical uncertainties. It is essential to counter protectionist narratives and demonstrate that open trade can deliver concrete benefits for citizens.”

Svenja Hahn underlines the benefits that this Agreement brings:

”Removing the high tariffs of Mercosur countries will enable the EU exporters to save over four billion euros in customs duties per year, and in addition the Agreement also includes the protection of 344 geographical indications.”

Urmas Paet (Eesti Reformierakond, Estonia), Renew Europe shadow rapporteur in the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) added :

”This long awaited deal is a great opportunity for the EU. It is not only about trade but also about geopolitics. Especially during turbulent times, Europe needs partners all over the world in order to remain a significant actor in world politics.”

The agreement includes easier and simpler customs procedures that will facilitate exporting. EU companies will be able to bid for public contracts on equal terms with Mercosur companies and enjoy exclusive preferential access to some critical raw materials and green goods.

At the same time, Renew Europe MEPs acknowledge the importance of addressing the concerns raised by some Member States and by the agricultural sector. We support constructive dialogue and swift implementation of safeguards, if and when required, to ensure that the agreement delivers tangible benefits in line with EU standards and interests.

Marie-Pierre Vedrenne (MoDem, France), Renew Europe coordinator in the International Trade Committee (INTA), said:

“Building a strong political partnership with Mercosur countries is essential in a context of growing trade tensions and open confrontations with the United States and China. However, this must never be at the expense of the principles I have always defended: the protection of our industries and our farmers, as well as compliance with our European standards. This agreement must be ambitious to strengthen our market and our economy while remaining consistent with our rules. Therefore, I now expect guarantees and effective safeguard mechanisms to be proposed by the European Commission.”

As the ratification process advances, Renew Europe calls for an inclusive, transparent debate, focusing on the strategic, geo-political, economic and environmental dimensions of the agreement.

Renew Europe remains committed to shaping a Europe that is open, competitive, and a global leader in fair, rules-based and sustainable trade to strengthen our position in the global economy.