The European Council has backed a trade deal with the Mercosur group of countries, despite opposition from some sectors.
Negotiations on the agreement, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, started in 1999.
The deal was approved but Ireland, France, Poland, Austria, and Hungary voted against it, while Belgium abstained. The next stage is a vote in the European Parliament in the coming weeks.
Ursula von der Leyen, EU Commission president, said the deal marks a new era of trade and cooperation with Mercosur partners.
“We have heard the concerns of our farmers and our agricultural sector and we have acted on them. This agreement contains robust safeguards to protect their livelihoods. We are also stepping up our actions in relation to import controls, because rules must be respected, also by importers,” she said.
Copa and Cogeca, the voice of farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU, said the deal was unbalanced and flawed.
AVEC, the Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU, urged the European Parliament to reject the agreement, which the group said would place unsustainable pressure on EU producers who are subject to high food safety, animal welfare, and environmental protection standards.
The agreement is expected to increase agricultural imports into the EU, including beef.
Opposition and support
The Ulster Farmers’ Union said the public will have reduced confidence in the integrity of the food supply chain and concerns over possible health implications of eating meats that have been regulated differently.
Glenn Cuddy, UFU deputy president, said: “Opening the door to increased imports produced to lower standards risks undermining confidence, competitiveness and the long-term viability of family farms.”
UFU called on policymakers to ensure that all Mercosur imports are subject to checks equivalent to EU standards.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) said it was disappointed by the EU Council’s decision.
“The European Council is prepared to allow in imports produced using practices that are outright banned for Irish and European farmers. The Council is essentially green flagging produce it cannot certify to the same standard and cannot honestly guarantee is safe,” said Sean McNamara, ICSA president.
However, not all sectors are against the trade deal. In September 2025, the European Dairy Association welcomed the progress of the agreement.
Spirits Europe was one of 10 groups that said it will bring numerous benefits such as significant growth opportunities for European exports. Mercosur countries also supply raw materials essential to Europe’s food and drink industries.
