Mullooly condemns Mercosur move: 'Democracy, institutional respect and rule of law must remain cornerstones of EU'

Midlands North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has criticised the European Commission following the announcement of provisional implementation of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, warning that the move undermines democratic process and legal certainty.

“I strongly condemn the decision by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to proceed with the provisional application of the EU–Mercosur Trade Agreement,” he said in a statement today.

Mr Mullooly said the decision ignores the position taken by the European Parliament and the ongoing legal process before the Court of Justice.

“This move represents a clear breach of the democratic position adopted by the European Parliament, which has sought judicial clarification before any implementation of the agreement.

"The matter remains before the European Court of Justice, and no adjudication has yet been delivered regarding the legal validity of proceeding with provisional application. To advance implementation in the absence of judicial determination undermines the authority of the Court and disregards the institutional balance established under the EU Treaties.”

Mr Mullooly said that respect for legal process is essential in EU trade policy.

“International trade agreements must be compliant not only with political preference but with binding legal obligations. Respect for process is not optional; it is foundational.”

He warned that pushing ahead without parliamentary ratification or a court decision damages trust in EU institutions.

“We have now reached a troubling juncture in the European Union, where the leadership of the European Commission appears willing to bypass both parliamentary scrutiny and pending judicial review. The European Parliament has not ratified this agreement. The legal challenge has not been resolved. Yet provisional application is being advanced without clear democratic mandate.”

Mr Mullooly also called on the Irish Government to clarify its role in the decision.

“I am also calling on the Irish Government to clarify its position. The Commission has indicated that Member States were consulted prior to moving forward with provisional application. Did Ireland object? Or did it acquiesce? Irish farmers and rural communities deserve full transparency.”

He warned of serious consequences for Irish agriculture.

“This is not a good day for Europe. It is certainly not a good day for Ireland. And it is deeply concerning for our farming sector, which already faces significant pressure from unfair competition and regulatory imbalance.”

Mr Mullooly said the decision risks weakening public confidence in EU institutions.

“Democracy, institutional respect, and the rule of law must remain the cornerstones of the European Union. When those principles are weakened, so too is public trust.”

He confirmed that he and like-minded colleagues would intensify scrutiny of imports and push for strict enforcement of EU standards from the first day of any provisional implementation.

“We will oppose this at all levels and that means now starting to ensure that we have orders from day one of any meat coming in from Brazil. We will be on their back from day one. I will continue to work with my MEP colleagues to ultimately stop this Trade deal.”