Joint Call by European Businesses for the Swift Ratification of the EU–Mercosur Trade Agreement

In a newly released joint statement, a coalition of 26 of the most influential European business associations calls on the EU Council and the European Parliament to swiftly ratify the EU–Mercosur interim Trade Agreement (iTA) and the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA).

Alongside BusinessEurope, of which the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic is a member, the statement was signed by organizations such as ACEA, AmCham EU, CEFIC, EURATEX, EUROCHAMBRES, EDA, and many others.

The agreement with Mercosur represents a key opportunity for Europe, supporting the growth and prosperity of one-fifth of the global economy and benefiting approximately 750 million people.

The signatories of the joint statement account for a significant share of total trade in goods and services between the EU and the Mercosur region — exceeding €153 billion, as well as €380 billion in mutual investments between the two regions (2023).

At a time when the rules-based international order is being seriously undermined, the EU–Mercosur free trade agreement stands as a major pillar of Europe’s trade diversification strategy and a crucial element in ensuring the EU’s long-term competitiveness.

According to DG Trade estimates, by 2040 the agreement could increase EU GDP by €77.6 billion  and EU exports to Mercosur by 39%. 

This is a modern agreement that will broaden market and resource access, while protecting key sectors of the European domestic market, helping to diversify secure supply chains, and boosting investment on both sides. It will also deepen cooperation in areas such as climate change mitigation, biodiversity protection, and the strengthening of labour and social rights.

The full text of the joint statement can be found bellow. ⇣⇣⇣