Mercosur trade agreement and its implications for European agriculture

The long-standing negotiations between the EU and the Mercosur trading bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) are at a decisive point in 2026: after more than 25 years, the EU-Mercosur Partnership and Trade Agreement was signed in mid-January 2026, but its ratification remains open and politically highly controversial. While the Council of the EU gave the green light for the signing, the European Parliament referred the deal to the European Court of Justice for review, which may delay its final implementation. At the same time, new protective mechanisms for European agriculture were adopted in Parliament to limit potential damage from rising agricultural imports. 

In this digital meeting, we will examine the current political dynamics, economic implications, and challenges for the European agricultural sector. Among other things, we want to discuss:

• What is the current status of the EU-Mercosur agreement and what political forces are influencing its implementation?
• What economic effects can be expected for European agricultural markets, particularly in sensitive sectors such as beef, poultry, and sugar?
• How do the agreed control and protection mechanisms work, and where are the risks for sustainability standards and competitiveness under EU regulations?

Agenda

Short intro of EAF

30‑minute presentation

Q&A and discussion