The European Commission and the European Council regard approval of the Mercosur deal as a historic moment, but the agreement is far from consensual. Divisions among member states persist, and the European Parliament, which will have to ratify the proposal, is still seeking majorities.
EU–Mercosur agreement depends on ratification and could be reviewed by the Court of Justice
Saturday, 17 January 2026RSS

Context & Explainers

Mercosur is the South American trade bloc (Southern Common Market) whose main founding members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. An EU–Mercosur trade agreement — which the story says may be approved and signed soon — would reduce tariffs and open markets on both sides, affecting agricultural and industrial trade flows and therefore prices and business opportunities relevant to residents and companies in Portugal.






