The request to submit the free trade pact with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to the European judiciary received support from 334 MEPs, with 324 voting against and 11 abstaining. This action follows widespread discontent among the agricultural sector, which staged protests with dozens of tractors outside the European Parliament headquarters in Strasbourg.
The petition was initiated by the Left group. Its leader, Manon Aubry, hailed the outcome as a "victory," noting that the referral stops the parliamentary procedure intended to approve the deal's application this spring.
“"The ECJ could deem the agreement illegal. This is a real blow to this destructive pact for agriculture, climate, and health!"
Agricultural organizations, including Asaja and Unió de Pagesos, expressed satisfaction with the delay. Pere Roqué, president of Asaja in Lleida, stated that when farmers mobilize with their tractors, they can halt "incomprehensible laws."
While the ECJ opinion may take up to 24 months, the European Commission has reiterated its intention to seek approval. However, European treaties allow the Council of the EU to authorize the provisional application of the trade agreement "if necessary," a risk still highlighted by farming groups.
