Discontent over the fragmentation decision-making of the Mercosur deal

BRUSSELS – To expedite matters, the Commission proposes a temporary agreement (‘interim trade agreement’) that falls under the authority of the EU. This only requires a broad majority of EU member states and a majority of the European Parliament, without the consent of all national parliaments.

Unanimity of all member states is only required for the comprehensive agreement that will replace the temporary one.

Climate Action Network Europe calls the proposed decision-making “an anti-democratic trick intended to silence the large-scale protests of farmers, the public outrage over the deal, and the clear opposition from various EU countries.” Earlier, more than two hundred European civil society organizations signed a letter warning against splitting the deal.

More than three hundred Members of the European Parliament previously signed a letter with a similar call. They fear that the EU is placing “economic interests” above cooperation. It would also seem undemocratic, the MEPs warn.

The member states and the European Parliament still need to decide whether to agree to the proposed decision-making by the Commission.

In the Dutch House of Representatives, a motion from the Party for the Animals was adopted in March 2023, asking the cabinet to speak out against the splitting of the Mercosur agreement as currently proposed by the European Commission. The House of Representatives has adopted several motions in which it expresses its opposition to the Mercosur agreement.

(September 3, 2025)