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EU lawmakers vote to block Mercosur trade agreement over legal concerns

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BRUSSELS (AP) - European Union lawmakers on Wednesday voted to block a major free trade agreement with the Mercosur group of South American countries over...

Received: 12:36:57 on 21st January 2026

BRUSSELS (AP) - European Union lawmakers on Wednesday voted to block a major free trade agreement with the Mercosur group of South American countries over concerns about the legality of the deal.

In a vote in Strasbourg, France, the lawmakers narrowly approved sending the EU-Mercosur agreement to Europe´s top court to rule on whether it is in line with the bloc´s treaties. The lawmakers voted by 334 votes in favor to 324 against, with 11 abstentions.

The long-sought after free trade agreement was just signed into effect on Saturday. It aimed to strengthen commercial ties in the face of rising protectionism and trade tensions around the world.