The European Union approved this Friday (9) the free trade agreement; Final ratification still depends on political and technical procedures in both blocs
After more than 25 years of negotiations, the free trade agreement entered a new phase this Friday (9). A , but it still does not mean immediate entry into force. The text will now go through a cycle of ratifications and technical adjustments that could last for months — and, depending on political pressure, even longer.
Internal ratifications
On the European side, the EU Commission and Parliament need to formalize political endorsement. Furthermore, due to the “mixed” nature of the agreement (with commercial and regulatory themes), several national parliaments may be called upon to ratify parts of the treaty, which opens up space for domestic pressure, especially from agricultural and environmental sectors.
Stage in Mercosur
Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will also have to internally ratify the text. Governments in the region see the agreement as strategic to expand agro-industrial exports and obtain tariff predictability, but they face resistance from industrial segments and unions, concerned about competitiveness.
Diplomats say that, in the most optimistic scenario, the process could be completed by 2026. However, elections in Europe and South America could reopen political disputes and delay the schedule. and Ireland remain hotbeds of agricultural opposition, while European NGOs maintain environmental criticism linked to the Amazon and the cerrado.
Expected impacts
If it enters into force, the treaty provides for a gradual reduction in tariffs, the opening of markets for goods and services, environmental safeguards and dispute settlement mechanisms. For Mercosur, the main initial gain would be to expand access to the European market; for the EU, expand opportunities for industrial goods and services.
