'European Parliament must back Mercosur even if deal signed': Mullooly
Ciaran Mullooly MEP has clarified that while the EU-Mercosur trade agreement may be politically signed by the European Commission and the council in the coming days, it cannot enter into force without the approval of the European Parliament, which will be asked to vote on the deal in two weeks’ time in Strasbourg.
The parliamentary vote is decisive: MEPs must either approve or reject the agreement, and there is no automatic outcome assumed at this stage, he said.
It came after it emerged the European Union's 27 member states will vote to accept or reject the deal on Friday. Ireland has yet to confirm its position, with Taoiseach Michéal Martin saying this morning that "a lot of progress" had been made. Hopes that enough countries would oppose the deal to ensure a 'blocking minority' are now waning.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is reported to have pledged a front-loading of CAP funding for farmers in an attempt to sway wavering national capitals to back the deal.
The Midlands-North-West MEP said the upcoming vote represents one of the most significant trade decisions facing Irish representatives in recent years, with far-reaching implications for Irish agriculture, food standards and rural communities.
“In two weeks’ time, Irish MEPs will be asked to take a clear position on Mercosur,” Mullooly said. “This is not a procedural formality. Parliament’s decision will determine whether the agreement becomes law.”
Mullooly confirmed that all 14 Irish MEPs have been formally invited to attend and address a National Community Protest taking place at the TUS Arena, Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone, this Saturday, January 10, at 12.30pm.
Mullooly welcomed confirmation that Independent South of Ireland MEP Michael McNamara has indicated his intention to attend the event.
“This is an important opportunity for engagement,” Mullooly said. “Communities have legitimate concerns about this agreement and deserve to hear directly from their elected representatives before such a consequential vote is taken.”
He added that the public mobilisation reflects the seriousness of the issues involved. “Mercosur is not an abstract trade debate. It raises real questions about fairness, standards and the future of Irish farming. Those concerns should be heard and considered before Parliament is asked to decide.”