A number of MEPs will ask a top European court to rule on whether the EU–Mercosur trade deal is legal under EU law.
This comes as concerns continue to be raised by MEPs about many aspects of this deal, including climate, workers rights and public health.
Sinn Féin’s Lynn Boylan MEP and Kathleen Funchion MEP, along with MEPs from the Left Group, S&D, Greens-EFA, Renew and EPP will table this joint motion.
Lynn Boylan MEP says that the deal raises concerns about the EU overstepping its mandate, and about the potential impact on climate, workers rights and public health.
“Last year, the EU delayed the deforestation regulation to help get this deal over the line.
“When the deforestation list was finally published, no Mercosur countries were on the list, the list only included countries that were under UN sanction, which totally undermines the point of the regulation.
“The rebalancing mechanism is also a real concern.
“This clause would let either side demand compensation if they believe the policies of the other side has hurt them economically – even if the policy complies with all legal and trade rules anyway.
“So there’s a concern that this could be exploited to further undermine EU regulations around climate, workers rights or health standards.”
Kathleen Funchion MEP added:
“The EU-Mercosur deal represents an unacceptable threat to our farmers, our environment, and democratic accountability.
“It is deeply concerning that the Commission is pressing ahead with this agreement despite the serious legal and ethical questions being raised by MEPs from across the political spectrum.
“Unfair competition from massive South American farms, which operate under far weaker regulations, will make the future of Irish and European family farms even more precarious.
“Environmentally, this deal is a disaster.
“It will reward and accelerate deforestation in the Amazon, directly contradicting the EU’s own climate and biodiversity commitments.
“I have consistently opposed the Mercosur agreement, and I am urging other countries and political groups to do the same. The Irish government must stand with our farmers, our environment, and our democratic principles.
“Mercosur sells out Europe’s small farms to big industry, undermines climate action, and weakens public trust in EU decision-making. It must be stopped.”
