Call for Quick 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 alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.

Background of the Agreement

Negotiations between the EU and the Mercosur bloc culminated in December 2024 with a trade agreement hailed as a "win-win" by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Despite this milestone, the agreement awaits formal ratification.

Challenges Ahead

The European Commission plans to propose the deal's signing and conclusion by mid-2025, following necessary legal reviews and translations. However, ratification faces hurdles, including opposition from France and Poland, and concerns from several other EU member states.