Why ratification should be prevented
EU-Mercosur agreement before ratification: warning of backsliding in environmental and human rights protection
On September 3, 2025, the European Commission submitted the EU trade agreement with Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) to the Council of the EU for ratification. However, in its current form, the agreement carries even more risks for the environment and human rights compared to earlier drafts, which were already highly problematic.
New lawsuit against green deal laws weakens democratic regulation
Particularly explosive: The agreement creates a novel right of action or compensation mechanism that can effectively put pressure on EU sustainability laws under the European Green Deal – for example, when environmental rules limit trade benefits. This undermines the state's enforcement of environmental and social standards and can slow down urgently needed protective laws.
Study of PowerShift, Misereor and Bread for the World: Risks to Climate, Rights and Development
The new joint study by PowerShift, Misereor and Bread for the World explains why the agreement in its current form is considered to be out of date. It analyses:
-
Risks for climate, forest and species protection
-
Consequences for human rights and land conflicts
-
Negative effects on economic development in Mercosur countries
-
Serious impact of tariff cuts and deregulation
The study therefore explicitly warns against ratification of the Treaty as it stands.
Call for Policy: Do not sign contract text, secure protection standards
From the point of view of the issuing organisations, trade policy is needed that protects human rights in a binding manner, strengthens environmental standards and preserves democratic room for manoeuvre. The Federal Government and the European Parliament are urged not to sign the current treaty text and to stop ratification.
Here is a current way to stop the catastrophic EU-Trump trade treaty!
