'Fight against Mercosur not over' as Ireland set to oppose EU trade deal

Independent Ireland have welcomed the announcement that Ireland will oppose the proposed EU Mercosur trade deal, saying it demonstrates the impact of sustained public pressure, farmer mobilisation and community action.

However, the party have warned that the agreement has not yet been defeated and that the final decision rests with the European Parliament.

MEP Ciaran Mullooly said the government’s stance shows that collective action can influence policy, but stressed that the deal has not been voted on and remains alive.

“This announcement proves one thing beyond doubt — people power works and pressure works,” Mr Mullooly said.

“Let me be clear: this deal is not dead. Nothing is done until MEPs vote in Strasbourg. That is why it is vital that farmers and communities show their strength again this Saturday.”

Mr Mullooly described the Mercosur agreement as damaging to European agriculture, arguing it would undermine food standards, environmental protections and the viability of family farms.

He said opposition is growing across Europe and that Irish farmers are playing a central role in building momentum against the deal.

“This is not just an Irish issue. Farmers across Europe are watching. The message from Athlone on Saturday must be loud and unmistakable, Mercosur is a bad deal and it must be stopped,” he said.

The MEP has written to the Taoiseach requesting that Ireland seek an immediate one-month deferral of discussions scheduled by the Cypriot Presidency in Brussels on Friday.

He said that would allow the Dáil and the European Parliament time to properly examine proposed safeguards and changes to the Common Agricultural Policy linked to the deal.

Read the full letter below:

Independent Ireland agriculture spokesperson Michael Fitzmaurice, TD, said the government’s announcement would not have happened without sustained pressure from farmers and rural communities.

“This didn’t come out of nowhere. It came because farmers stood up, organised and refused to be ignored,” he said.

“But anyone who thinks the work is finished is mistaken. Europe needs to see that opposition to Mercosur is real, organised and growing.”

Party leader Michael Collins, TD, said Saturday’s national mobilisation is aimed at sending a clear message to Europe from those most affected.

“This deal threatens Irish farming, rural jobs and food standards,” he said. “The only language Europe understands is pressure. A strong turnout will show that Ireland will not accept a trade deal that sells out our farmers.”

Independent Ireland said the protest will also demonstrate solidarity with farmers across Europe who are facing similar concerns about the Mercosur agreement, urging farmers, families and communities to continue to mobilise as the issue moves toward a decisive vote in Strasbourg.