Mercosur vote a major victory but fight not over – Clarke

Sinn Féin TD for Longford Westmeath, Sorca Clarke, has said that today’s vote in the European Parliament to refer the Mercosur trade agreement to the European Court of Justice is a major political victory.

She said that this vote is a clear signal that Mercosur is not a done deal and that over the coming months, all shoulders must be put to the wheel to ensure this deal is defeated for good.

Teachta Clarke said: “At a time when the Irish Government failed to build a blocking minority to stop this bad deal, Sinn Féin chose to fight, defend Ireland’s interests and build alliances in the European parliament and today that fight has delivered real results.

“Today’s vote in the European Parliament to refer the Mercosur trade agreement to the European Court of Justice is a major political victory for Irish farmers, consumers, and everyone who believes that trade policy must serve people, not corporate interests.

“This decision represents the most serious obstacle yet placed in the path of a deeply flawed and dangerous trade deal. It will delay the implementation of Mercosur for up to 18 months, potentially longer, and places the agreement under formal legal scrutiny as to whether it breaches EU treaties and law.

“This vote is a clear signal that Mercosur is not a done deal. It confirms that there are profound and legitimate concerns about food safety, environmental destruction, human rights abuses and the devastating impact this agreement would have on Irish farming.

“The referral to the European Court of Justice creates vital political space – but that space must now be used. This is not the end of the road. Mercosur has been blocked, not buried. Over the coming months, all shoulders must be put to the wheel to ensure this deal is defeated for good.

“That means sustained pressure on the Irish Government to actively oppose Mercosur at EU level, meaningful engagement with MEPs and governments across member states, and a clear refusal to accept reassurances or cosmetic safeguards that simply do not stand up to scrutiny.

“The government must also now ensure that Ursula von der Leyen does not attempt to provisionally apply this deal, and government MEPs must resist any such attempts within their political groups.

“Sinn Féin will continue to lead that effort – standing with farmers and consumers, defending public health, protecting the environment, and insisting that Ireland’s trade policy reflects our values, not the demands of powerful corporate lobbies.

“Today is a significant victory. Tomorrow, the work continues.”