German Chancellor Calls for Swift Action on Mercosur Deal

During his inaugural foreign visit to Paris, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the urgency of ratifying the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement. "The Mercosur deal should be ratified quickly and implemented," Merz stated at a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Background of the EU-Mercosur Agreement

In December 2024, after prolonged negotiations, the EU and Mercosur bloc finalized a trade agreement hailed as a "win-win" by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This landmark deal aims to strengthen economic ties between the regions.

Challenges Ahead for Ratification

Despite the agreement's finalization, its ratification faces hurdles. The European Commission plans to propose signing and concluding the deal by mid-2025, pending legal review and translation. The agreement's classification could necessitate approval from at least 15 EU member states, representing 65% of the population. Opposition from France and Poland, alongside concerns from Italy, Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, complicates the path forward.