The Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU (AVEC) has expressed serious concerns regarding European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent announcement regarding the provisional application of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, prior to the European Parliament’s consent.
Concerns Over Democratic Scrutiny
AVEC is staunchly opposed to the provisional application of the agreement, arguing that such a move undermines the democratic scrutiny intended by EU treaties. The European Parliament is not merely a formality; it represents the interests of EU citizens, and moving forward with a significant trade deal before Parliament’s decision represents a significant breach of democratic accountability.
Importance of Legal Review
Adding to the urgency, AVEC emphasizes that the European Parliament has formally sought an opinion from the Court of Justice of the EU regarding the agreement’s compliance with EU treaties. It stands to reason that commencing any form of implementation, especially provisional application, is politically indefensible until the Court has provided its ruling.
Non-Negotiable Food Standards
Furthermore, AVEC points to the European Commission’s recent findings from an audit on Brazil, released on February 25, 2026. The audit revealed issues related to residue controls and recommended actions that have not been effectively implemented. Notably, the report expresses concerns that measures intended to prevent cattle treated with oestradiol 17β from being exported to the EU are still insufficiently enforced.
The findings serve as a stark reminder: before any additional market access under the EU-Mercosur agreement is considered, the EU must be absolutely certain that exporters can meet EU requirements based not only on documentation but through verifiable and enforceable practices.
A Call to Action for the Commission and Member States
AVEC calls upon the European Commission and member states to halt any progress toward provisional application of the EU-Mercosur agreement until the European Parliament grants its consent. Moreover, it implores both parties to commit to refraining from implementation until the Court of Justice delivers its opinion. Additionally, the findings of the Commission’s audit on Brazil must be considered thoroughly to ensure that EU production standards are robust and enforceable before any increase in market access is allowed.
Ultimately, Europe’s trade policy can only retain its credibility if it is anchored in democratic legitimacy and aligns with the EU’s standards and enforcement expectations. Provisional application cannot be allowed to circumvent Parliament’s critical role or disregard the Commission’s documented compliance issues.
