German Foreign Minister Criticizes European Parliament's Mercosur Vote as 'Strategic Misjudgment'

German Foreign Minister Condemns Parliament's Action

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has voiced strong disapproval regarding the European Parliament's recent vote on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, characterizing the decision as a 'major strategic misjudgment' and a 'grave setback'. Wadephul, who assumed office on May 6, 2025, expressed his concerns during an interview, highlighting the potential for a considerable delay and a loss of political trust for Europe.

European Parliament Refers Deal to Court

On January 21, 2026, the European Parliament narrowly voted to refer the comprehensive trade agreement between the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for judicial review. The vote saw 334 Members of European Parliament (MEPs) in favor of the referral, with 324 against and 11 abstentions. This move is anticipated to prolong the ratification process by up to two years, as similar cases reviewed by the ECJ typically take around that long to conclude.

Germany's Support for the Agreement

Germany has consistently been a staunch supporter of the EU-Mercosur agreement, viewing it as crucial for economic growth and global trade relations. Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasized that the delay would 'cost political trust' and underscored the importance of Europe's ability to finalize such deals, especially when other nations, like India, are closely observing. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed this sentiment, criticizing the Parliament's action as an 'obstacle' and advocating for the deal's provisional implementation despite the judicial review.

The EU-Mercosur Trade Deal: Aims and Opposition

The EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement, signed on January 17, 2026, after more than two decades of negotiations, aims to establish one of the world's largest free trade zones, encompassing over 700 million people. It seeks to reduce import duties on a significant portion of goods and increase import quotas, benefiting EU exports of industrial goods, automobiles, and agricultural products like cheese and wine. The agreement involves the EU and the Mercosur member states: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

However, the deal has faced considerable opposition, primarily from the European agricultural sector, which fears increased competition from South American products such as beef, sugar, and poultry. Environmental concerns, particularly regarding deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, have also been a significant point of contention. Countries like France, Italy, Hungary, and Poland have been among the most vocal opponents of the agreement.