The European Commission announced that the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur will begin provisional application on May 1, 2026. This decision follows the ratification of formal processes by Mercosur member countries, including Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. After more than two decades of negotiations, the pact will be partially activated. The verbal note sent by the community executive allows for the implementation to begin without waiting for the definitive ratification by Parliament.
Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic emphasized that this measure strengthens international credibility in times of economic tensions. The countries that will benefit from this provisional application are those that completed their internal processes before the end of March. Paraguay, which also ratified the agreement, is awaiting formal notification. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña described the agreement as a “strategic decision” given the current global situation.
The treaty includes the gradual elimination of tariffs, which translates to the removal of more than 90% of duties, facilitating access to markets. However, the implementation faces criticism from the European agricultural sector due to fears of competition from cheaper products coming from South America.
