In a strong show of unity, 26 leading European business associations have issued a joint declaration calling for the immediate ratification of the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement. Representing a vast spectrum of industries and enterprises, the associations underscored the agreement’s vital importance to the EU’s long-term competitiveness and global trade diversification strategy.
According to the statement, the EU–Mercosur partnership already represents €153 billion in trade between the two regions in 2024 and nearly €380 billion in mutual investments in 2023. The business community described the deal as a “beacon” of stability and progress amid an increasingly fragile global trade order.
Economic Benefits and Sustainable Growth
Official projections by the European Commission’s DG Trade suggest the agreement could add €77.6 billion to the EU’s GDP and €9.4 billion to Mercosur’s GDP by 2040. It is also expected to boost EU exports to Mercosur by 39% and Mercosur exports to the EU by 17%.
Beyond economic growth, the agreement is designed as a modern, sustainability-oriented trade pact, promoting cooperation in combating climate change, protecting biodiversity, and advancing labor and social rights. It aims to enhance market access and secure supply chains while safeguarding sensitive European industries.
Call for Swift Action by EU Institutions
European business groups urged the Council and European Parliament to accelerate ratification of both the interim Trade Agreement (iTA) and the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA). They emphasized the need to streamline procedural steps and avoid delays that could jeopardize economic opportunities.
“This agreement is a crucial opportunity for Europe,” the declaration stated. “It will support growth and prosperity across one-fifth of the global economy, benefiting nearly 750 million people.”
If ratified soon, the EU–Mercosur Agreement is expected to become one of the most significant trade partnerships in recent European history, cementing stronger transatlantic ties and driving sustainable development for decades to come.
