The European Parliament threw a legal roadblock in front of the EU’s trade deal with Mercosur countries on Wednesday, voting to send the agreement to the EU’s top court for a legality check, Euractiv reports.
MEPs narrowly backed the resolution from a cross-party coalition of Greens, left-wing lawmakers, liberals, socialists and centre-right politicians. The text asks the EU’s Court of Justice to examine whether parts of the deal comply with EU treaties.
The fight centres on a mechanism allowing Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to challenge EU legislation that threatens their market access under the agreement. Critics say this could target future sustainability rules.
Farmers protested outside Parliament in Strasbourg as MEPs voted. The demonstration started Tuesday and won backing from some lawmakers, running overnight until Wednesday noon when farmers and tractors were set to leave.
The Court’s opinion could take over a year, and any finding that the deal breaches EU law could force changes. Ratification has been suspended in the meantime.
MEPs worry the European Commission might still push for provisional application—an option member states endorsed earlier this month.
The Commission says it wants consensus amongst lawmakers but hasn’t ruled out provisional application.
(information from Euractiv)