Broad welcome for decision to delay Mercosur deal via the courts
Politicians from across the political spectrum in Ireland have voiced their satisfaction that the European Parliament has voted to refer the EU Mercosur deal to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to check if it is compliant with the Treaties of the EU.
Earlier today, 334 MEPs from across the EU voted on a resolution to seek legal advice on the EU Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and Interim Trade Agreement (ITA), a majority of 10.
Nine Irish MEPs voted for the legal referral, while four voted against and there was one MEP absent, Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, who could not vote due to medical reasons, but has consistently been opposed to the deal.
Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen has welcomed the vote: “Today’s vote was about doing things properly. Referring the Mercosur agreement to the Court of Justice ensures that legal certainty, democratic accountability and the parliament’s co-legislator role are fully respected.
“This deal raises profound questions for Irish and European agriculture, particularly around fair competition, enforceable safeguards and the principle that imports should meet the same standards demanded of EU farmers.”
Independent MEP Michael McNamara said: “This is a small but important victory for those who oppose the betrayal of European farmers, and for those who believe that the rule of law must prevail especially in these strange times.”
McNamara had raised concerns about the agreement’s legal basis, democratic accountability, and its implications for agricultural standards, environmental protections, and fair competition.
Ireland South Fianna Fáil MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú echoed these sentiments stating: "This is a significant step for Irish farmers, and I stand firmly with them.
"We can and must do a better deal – one that does not flood the European Union with cheap beef produced to standards that would not be acceptable here, including the use of antibiotics and hormones.
"Irish farmers should not be asked to pay the price for trade-offs that prioritise other industries," she added.
Back home in Ireland, national politicians have also weighed in.
Aontú TD for Mayo Paul Lawless is on his way back from Strasbourg where he joined others from Ireland in lobbying MEPs to vote to refer the Mercosur deal to the European Court of Justice.
Deputy Lawless said "This is a good result for us, a step in the right direction. This referral means the deal will be legally frozen to allow proper scrutiny of its environmental, competition and legal implications.
"I knew as soon as I hit the ground in Strasbourg that the ground was shifting under this deal, I heard from people who had voted for the deal and were now changing their tune, I heard from people who abstained on previous votes - these were the people I targeted in my lobbying - and a lot of them were beginning to come with us again."
Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan has also welcomed the decision of the European Parliament today: “An rud is annamh is iontach (what’s seldom is wonderful) as they say, and certainly this is a wonderful victory for everyone who believes that Mercosur is a legally dubious and economically reckless deal.
“There is breathing space now for other member states to take on board the concerns that many of us have been making with respect to the glaring deficits contained within the agreements.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture and food, Martin Kenny also welcomed the European Parliament decision.
Deputy Kenny commended Sinn Féin MEPs Lynn Boylan and Kathleen Funchion for their role in drafting the motion and leading the campaign against Mercosur in the European Parliament.
“This is a major victory in the battle against this ruinous deal. It is a victory for consumers, farmers and the environment," Kenny said.
“We all know this is a bad deal, and the safeguards are not worth the paper they are written on. We know that the current check and controls on imports of beef contaminated with hormones and banned antibiotics are not working.
“With this referral to the ECJ, it now gives the Irish Government the time and opportunity to engage with MEPs from other EU member states and seek their support in opposing this deal if it comes back before the European Parliament."
