Belgian parties divided over approval of Mercosur treaty

As expected, Belgium had to abstain in the vote, because there was no common position between the different governments. The Walloon government is clearly opposed to the agreement, in Flanders the N-VA is a convinced supporter, while coalition partner CD&V is demanding more guarantees for a level playing field for farmers. Belgian politicians therefore reacted very divided to the green light.

“If we want to maintain our prosperity, we need free trade. That is precisely why I have always been a strong supporter of a Mercosur trade agreement,” declared Flemish Minister-President Mathias Diependaele. “Mercosur can and will make Flanders stronger. The CETA trade agreement (with Canada, ed.) has already proven that.” In Flanders, the liberal opposition party Open VLD also reacted positively.

The French-speaking politicians in the country continue to collectively reject the free trade agreement. Walloon Minister-President Adrien Dolimont and Minister of Agriculture Anne-Catherine Dalcq (MR) spoke of a “disastrous day for European agriculture.” According to them, the agreement received the green light “despite enormous challenges for the profitability of our businesses and for the quality of food for European citizens.”

(Brussels, 01/09/2026)