The European Parliament has voted to send the Mercosur-European Union trade deal to the EU’s top court to verify whether it complies with existing EU treaties. This means implementation of the agreement could now happen in at least two years from now, supposing it will be approved by the European Parliament. It is divided into two parts: a strictly trade-only pact, designed to be implemented right after the European Commission and European Parliament approve it, and a broader one, that includes investment and environmental sections, which needs parliamentary approval from each participating country. 334 parliament members backed the provision, 10 above those who rejected it, while 11 abstained. Farmers led mass protests on Wednesday outside of the European Parliament as the vote took place, signaling their disapproval of the EU-Mercosur deal.

Source: Bueno Aires Herald January 21, 2026 14:29 UTC