This timeline tracks the most important milestones in the EU–Mercosur trade agreement, focusing on events that shaped negotiations, ratification prospects, and political expectations.
Key Milestones
1999-04
Formal negotiations between the EU and Mercosur are launched, aiming to create a broad association agreement including a free trade area.
2019-06
EU and Mercosur announce a political agreement in principle on the trade pillar during the G20 summit in Osaka, after 20 years of negotiations.
2020–2022
Ratification stalls amid rising concerns in the EU over deforestation in the Amazon and environmental enforcement in Mercosur countries.
2023-03
The European Commission proposes an additional environmental instrument to strengthen sustainability and climate commitments linked to the agreement.
2024-12
EU and Mercosur conclude negotiations on a revised agreement package, including side instruments on environment and labor standards.
2025-09
The European Commission submits the agreement to the EU Council and Parliament and proposes a dedicated safeguard mechanism to protect EU agriculture.
2025-10
Draft EU legislation is introduced to operationalize agricultural safeguards and import monitoring linked to the agreement.
2025-12
EU institutions reach a provisional agreement on strengthened safeguard rules, but political approval of the trade deal is delayed into 2026.
How to Use This Timeline
This page serves as:
- A reference for understanding negotiation dynamics
- A factual backbone for related analysis and blog posts
- A living document that will be updated as new developments occur
New events will be added chronologically as the agreement progresses through ratification and implementation.