🏛️🌍 European Parliament approves safeguards for farmers in EU-Mercosur agreement

Oneliner

The European Parliament has approved safeguard measures to protect EU farmers under the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, with 483 votes in favor. The measures allow the European Commission to investigate import increases of sensitive agricultural products and adopt provisional measures within 14 days. Despite the approval, skepticism remains among farming organizations regarding the enforceability of these safeguards. The regulation also includes quarterly monitoring to ensure compliance with EU standards. This vote follows a referral of the Mercosur agreement to the Court of Justice of the EU for a compatibility review.

Key points

• The European Parliament approved safeguard measures to protect EU farmers from potential impacts of the Mercosur trade deal.
• The vote concluded with 483 in favor, 102 against, and 67 abstentions, reflecting significant support despite sector skepticism.
• The European Commission can now investigate import increases and adopt provisional measures within tight timelines.
• The safeguards will be monitored quarterly to ensure compliance with EU standards on sensitive agricultural products.

Links

• 20minutos: La Eurocámara vota las cláusulas de salvaguardia del acuerdo con Mercosur entre el escepticismo del sector
• Politico: Even some of Mercosur’s biggest fans are nervous about moving too fast
• 20minutos: El Parlamento Europeo aprueba las salvaguardas para los agricultores en el acuerdo entre la UE y el Mercosur

Facts

• The vote on the safeguard measures took place on February 10, 2026.
• The final tally was 483 in favor, 102 against, and 67 abstentions.
• The European Commission can adopt provisional measures within 14 days of initiating an investigation.
• The regulation mandates quarterly reports on the impact of Mercosur products in the EU market.

Quotes

• This regulation responds to the legitimate concerns of the sector — Gabriel Mato, rapporteur
• The safeguard clauses are worthless: they are not part of the Mercosur agreement — Jorge Buxadé, Vox leader

Article