BRUSSELS — In an unprecedented move, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Friday her intention to begin provisional enforcement of a sweeping trade agreement with South American countries, despite lacking authorization from the European Parliament.
“When they are ready, we are ready,” von der Leyen declared. With support from European leaders, she stated the Commission would “provisionally apply the agreement” following Thursday’s ratification of the EU-Mercosur trade pact by Uruguay and Argentina.
This historic agreement represents 25 years of negotiations between regions now housing over 700 million residents and representing 25% of worldwide gross domestic product, establishing one of the globe’s most extensive free trade areas.
The move comes amid worldwide trade disruptions caused by U.S. tariff policies and China’s restriction of essential mineral exports, prompting the 27-member EU to pursue numerous free trade agreements with nations worldwide.
Nevertheless, the agreement has encountered fierce resistance from Europe’s farming industry and was anticipated to face intense scrutiny from European Parliament members.
Von der Leyen’s decision to bypass these legislators represents an uncommon action for the European executive branch and will likely draw sharp criticism.
“Mercosur embodies the spirit in which Europe is acting on the global scene,” von der Leyen stated during a press conference where no questions were permitted.
“Our businesses, our workers, and our citizens will reap the benefits, and they should reap them as soon as possible,” she continued. “This is about resilience, this is about growth, and Europe shaping its own future.”
She did recognize that the “agreement can only be fully concluded once the European Parliament has given its consent.”
“So the commission will continue closely with all EU institutions, member states, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth and transparent process,” she explained.
