German FM urges ratification of EU-Mercosur trade deal

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called for the full implementation and final ratification of the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Speaking in Buenos Aires alongside Argentine Chancellor Pablo Quirno, Wadephul stated, "We have always supported this agreement. We played a decisive role in its approval and want to continue playing that role." He emphasized that the treaty offers a "historic opportunity" and serves as a "lever for more growth, cooperation, and prosperity." The EU-Mercosur free trade agreement provisionally entered into force on May 1, following a decision by the European Commission and ratification by the parliaments of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. However, full entry into force depends on ratification by the European Parliament, which is awaiting an opinion from the Court of Justice of the EU regarding its compliance with EU treaties. Resistance persists in some EU countries, notably France and Poland, which are major agricultural producers and face strong competition from Mercosur members. Wadephul attended the Mercosur summit in Luque, Paraguay, describing the spirit of cooperation as "truly impressive" and something he would bring back to Europe. He acknowledged that full implementation might face delays and identified potential issues, but expressed confidence that they are resolvable. "The decisive step has already been taken, we want this agreement, we want to bring it to life, and the problems that may arise, we will be able to solve them," he concluded. The German minister also signed a memorandum of understanding on critical minerals with Chancellor Quirno and was scheduled to continue his regional tour in Brazil.

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We have always supported this agreement. We played a decisive role in its approval and want to continue playing that role.