🌍🏛️ EU adopts protective measures in Mercosur trade agreement
Oneliner
On 10 February 2026, the European Parliament approved protective measures in the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, allowing for the temporary suspension of trade preferences to shield EU farmers, particularly in the poultry and beef sectors. This decision has sparked widespread protests across Spain and other EU countries, with farmers demanding stronger safeguards. Additionally, the EU is negotiating a separate trade deal with Australia, which has faced its own challenges over tariff-rate quotas.
Key points
- European Parliament approved a mechanism to suspend trade preferences in the EU-Mercosur agreement.
- The decision aims to protect EU farmers, particularly in the poultry and beef sectors.
- Protests erupted across Spain and other EU countries, with farmers demanding stronger safeguards.
- Negotiations for a separate trade deal with Australia are also underway.
Links
- www.wprost.pl: Rolnicy odetchnęli, ale to dopiero początek. UE szykuje nową umowę
- El Mundo: Cientos de tractores llegan a Madrid para protestar contra Mercosur y los recortes de la PAC
- BFMTV: Une "excellente nouvelle" selon le Premier ministre socialiste mais les Espagnols sont moins convaincus: des milliers d'agriculteurs manifestent à Madrid contre l'accord UE-Mercosur
Facts
- Date of approval: 10 February 2026
- New regulation allows temporary suspension of trade preferences.
- Protests occurred in Spain and other EU countries.
- Negotiations with Australia have been ongoing since 2018.
Quotes
- The Commission has been obliged not to close the possibility of amending them if they prove insufficient — Krzysztof Hetman
Article
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