EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement: Disappointed by European Parliament decision to refer the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement to the Court of Justice of the EU

Brussels, 21 January 2026 –The European Committee of Wine Companies (CEEV) expresses its disappointment following today’s vote by the European Parliament to request the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to assess the legal basis of the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement.

Over the past months, the European Commission has provided detailed explanations confirming the Agreement’s full compatibility with the EU Treaties. Against this background, CEEV regrets the European Parliament’s decision to seek the Court of Justice’s opinion on the compatibility of the EU–Mercosur Agreement with the EU Treaties. Such a referral will result in a delay of 18 to 20 months in the ratification process, creating unnecessary uncertainty for businesses.

Disappointed because time is money. Last year alone, EU wine companies exporting to Mercosur markets faced more than €43 million in tariffs. And this figure does not include the additional costs generated by red tape, complex import procedures, and other non-tariff barriers, which continue to hinder access to the highly promising Brazilian market.

At a time of increasing geopolitical and economic challenges, it is more important than ever for the European Union to secure and diversify its trade relations with trusted partners without delay. The EU–Mercosur Agreement has the potential not only to enhance the competitiveness of European wines abroad, but also to reinforce the EU’s role as a global leader in promoting stability and open, rules-based trade.

CEEV considers this vote a missed opportunity to move swiftly towards the ratification of an Agreement that is urgently needed by both the European Union and EU wine companies.

• CEEV Press Release - 21.01.2026
• CEEV leaflet “Unlocking growth: Why the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement matters for European wine”