Mullooly welcomes referral of the Mercosur deal to European Court of Justice

Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has welcomed today’s decision by the European Parliament to refer the EU–Mercosur trade agreement to the European Court, describing the vote as a pivotal moment for legal certainty, democratic oversight, and the protection of European farmers.

In a closely contested vote in Strasbourg, MEPs backed the referral by 334 votes to 324, with 11 abstentions, triggering a judicial review that will significantly delay the agreement and place its legal foundations under formal scrutiny by the Court.

Mr Mullooly said the parliament had acted responsibly and in line with its duty as a co-legislator. “Today the European Parliament did what it is supposed to do in a rules-based union: it insisted on legal certainty before allowing an irreversible decision to move forward,” Mullooly said.

“This was not a vote against trade – it was a vote for the rule of law.”

Mr Mullooly said the decision marks a critical step in defending farmers, consumers and the integrity of EU law, and acknowledged the scale of public concern that influenced the outcome.

He congratulated the thousands of Irish farmers who, alongside their counterparts across Europe, sent a united message that the Mercosur agreement, in its current form, is not in the interests of European agriculture or food standards.

He also highlighted the intensive engagement across the parliament in the days leading up to the vote.

“Over the course of this week in Strasbourg, I spoke with MEPs from all over Europe about the importance of referring this agreement to the European Court of Justice,” Mr Mullooly said.

“There was a shared understanding that before such a far-reaching deal proceeds, its legal foundations must be absolutely sound.”

The MEP stressed said seeking a court opinion is a matter of due process, not obstruction. “This decision is about legal certainty and democratic accountability. Asking the Court to examine the agreement is not about blocking trade – it is about making sure the rules have been followed and that Parliament’s role is respected.”

He confirmed that he will continue to work closely with colleagues from other member states who have committed to supporting the referral and ensuring that the legal review is fully respected, and concluded by emphasising that farmers and consumers across Europe will be watching the next steps closely as the judicial process unfolds.