EU Lawmakers Vote to Block Mercosur Trade Deal

European Union (EU) lawmakers have voted to block a major free trade agreement with the Mercosur group of South American countries over concerns about the legality of the deal, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

The measure passed with 334 votes in favor, 324 against, and 11 abstentions. (Photo: EU Trade - European Union)

In a vote in Strasbourg, France, lawmakers narrowly approved sending the EU–Mercosur agreement to Europe’s top court to determine whether it complies with the bloc’s treaties.

The measure passed with 334 votes in favor, 324 against, and 11 abstentions.

Twenty-five years in the making, the long-sought free trade agreement was signed into effect to great fanfare on Saturday. It aimed to strengthen commercial ties amid rising protectionism and growing trade tensions worldwide.

Backed by South America’s cattle-raising nations and European industrial interests, the accord seeks to gradually eliminate more than 90% of tariffs on goods ranging from Argentine beef to German cars.

The deal would create one of the world’s largest free trade zones and reduce costs for more than 700 million consumers. France, Europe’s largest agricultural producer, has pushed for stronger protections for farmers and sought to delay the pact.