Left hails referral of EU–Mercosur deal to EU court as victory for rural sector

Commenting on the development, the Vice-President of the European Left and SYRIZA MEP Kostas Arvanitis described the outcome as “a victory for the Left and a victory for the peasantry”, stressing that “the European Parliament has spoken”. He underlined that the European Commission is not authorised to proceed with provisional implementation of the agreement, stating: “Democracy is not bypassed, Mrs von der Leyen.”

The initiative to seek an opinion from the Court was ultimately backed by a mixed majority of MEPs, including members of the Socialists, Renew and even the European People’s Party. The proposal was approved on Wednesday with 334 votes in favour, 324 against and 11 abstentions, a result that came as a surprise. The vote was met with celebrations by farmers gathered outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The Court will now be asked to assess whether the agreement, which was signed a few days ago in Paraguay, is compatible with the EU treaties.

Independent MEP Nikolas Farantouris also welcomed the outcome, writing on social media: “We want to know what we are eating. Celebrations now in Strasbourg outside the European Parliament. Our proposal for an opinion from the European Court of Justice on the Mercosur Agreement has passed. The fight continues.”

The European Commission, however, reacted critically to the decision. A Commission spokesperson expressed “deep regret”, arguing that the referral comes at a time when EU producers and exporters need access to new markets and when the European Union must demonstrate that it remains a reliable trading partner.

According to the Commission, the questions raised by the European Parliament are not justified and have already been addressed extensively in previous discussions and agreements. The Commission has not clarified whether it intends to move forward with provisional application of the agreement, stating that it will first consult with the Council and MEPs before deciding on next steps.

______________________________________________

Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective?  Subscribe monthly or annually  to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.

Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.