Spain and Germany Push for Immediate Mercosur Deal Implementation Despite French Opposition

Spain and Germany have jointly urged the immediate provisional application of the Mercosur trade agreement, facing resistance from France amidst escalating tensions within the European Union. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo emphasized the economic significance of the agreement, criticizing the European Parliament's recent decision to halt its progress, which was influenced by an unusual alliance of lawmakers across the political spectrum. Merz highlighted the deal as a fundamental driver for economic growth across Europe and Latin America, calling it a fair and balanced agreement.

Carlos Cuerpo warned that each month of delay could cost the EU over 4 billion euros in GDP, stressing Spain's strategic role as a bridge between the EU and Latin America, and its considerable gains in accessing critical raw materials. However, French authorities, including government spokesperson Maud Bregeon, argue that implementing the treaty provisionally would breach democratic procedures, especially after the Parliament referred the case to the EU Court.

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, representing Mercosur, also endorsed swift execution of the deal, suggesting existing EU mechanisms could overcome current political roadblocks. Peña pointed out that continuing tensions between the US and the EU provide a political opportunity to advance the agreement, ironically noting that former President Trump’s actions encouraged Brussels to accelerate Latin American trade negotiations after years of stagnation.

The standoff underscores broader EU internal disagreements affecting trade integration, as Spain and Germany prioritize economic benefits and geopolitical strategy, while France emphasizes democratic legitimacy and procedural correctness. The future of Mercosur’s implementation remains uncertain amid these competing interests within the EU framework.