Buenos Aires, 27 February 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Uruguay and Argentina have ratified the free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur states Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Argentina's parliament passed the necessary legislation on Thursday, soon after the parliament in Montevideo had done so.

Meanwhile a decision from the European Commission is awaited on implementing the agreement provisionally ahead of final approval by the European Parliament.

EU member states are in favour, but parliament voted to send the agreement to the European Court of Justice for approval in January before a final vote.

Opponents charge that it has been worded in such a way that the free trade agreements do not have to be passed by consensus of all EU member states.

There are also fears that EU consumer, environmental and animal welfare standards could be affected. The commission rejects this.

The Mercosur deal was signed in Paraguay at the beginning of the year after more than 25 years of talks. It aims to create a free trade zone of more than 700 million people.

European farmers have expressed fears that competition from Mercosur countries could threaten their existence. This led to protective clauses regarding agricultural imports being added.

Environmentalists fear than increased EU demand for Mercosur agricultural products could lead to further deforestation in South America.

Supporters of the deal see opportunities for the automotive sector, mechanical engineering and pharmaceuticals.

Photo: EPA