EU Parliament backs Mercosur farm safeguards
Trigger rules target beef, poultry import surges
12 February 2026
1 minute read
By: The European Parliament on Tuesday approved new safeguard rules designed to protect the EU’s agriculture sector from potential harm linked to trade liberalisation with Mercosur countries, according to a news release from the European Parliament.
MEPs adopted the regulation by 483 votes in favour, 102 against and 67 abstentions. The text, already informally agreed with EU member states, sets out how the European Commission could temporarily suspend tariff preferences under the proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal on agricultural imports from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay if a surge in imports harms EU producers.
Under the new rules, the Commission must launch an investigation when imports of sensitive agricultural products, including poultry, beef, eggs, citrus and sugar, increase by five per cent compared with a three-year average and import prices are at least five per cent below the relevant domestic price. The five per cent annual trigger is lower than the 10% threshold originally proposed by the Commission.
An investigation may also be requested by a member state, or by a natural or legal person or association representing the industry concerned, in the event of a threat of serious injury.
The Commission will be required to present a report to Parliament at least every six months assessing the impact of imports of sensitive products.
"The safeguards will ensure that the EU–Mercosur agreement is accompanied by a balanced and credible protection mechanism for our agricultural sector," said Gabriel Mato, standing rapporteur for Mercosur. "They strengthen market monitoring, introduce clear and objective criteria to detect disruptions, and allow for faster action for sensitive products when there are indications of harm. They will provide farmers with stability and predictability, while preserving the overall balance of the agreement."
Once formally adopted by the Council, the regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It will apply once the Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement enters into force.
