Schenk criticizes vote on Mercosur free trade agreement - EU’s Mercosur trade deal faces legal hurdle after Parliament vote
The EU Parliament’s recent vote on the Mercosur free trade deal has sparked strong criticism from Saxon MEP Oliver Schenk. The decision, made on 21 January 2026, will send the agreement to the European Court of Justice for review—a move Schenk claims threatens jobs and economic stability in Saxony.
Schenk, a member of the CDU, argued that the referral to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Luxembourg is not about legal clarity but a deliberate attempt to delay the process. He warned that such delays risk undermining Saxony’s economy, where the deal plays a vital role in securing jobs, investment, and value creation.
The MEP also criticised the EU Parliament’s decision as a sign of unreliability on the international stage. According to Schenk, the vote weakens the EU’s negotiating position and sends a negative signal to trade partners. The Mercosur agreement, which aims to strengthen trade ties between the EU and South American nations, now faces an uncertain future as the CJEU reviews its legal framework.
The court’s review will determine the next steps for the Mercosur deal. Schenk’s concerns highlight the potential economic impact on Saxony, where businesses rely on the agreement for growth. The outcome of the CJEU’s assessment will shape future trade relations between the EU and Mercosur countries.
