Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000586/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Piotr Müller (ECR)
On 6 December 2024, the EU and Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) concluded negotiations on a partnership agreement, which had been ongoing intermittently since 2000. The agreement covers three main areas: trade, political dialogue and sectoral cooperation, including migration, the digital economy and human rights.
The Commission has announced that it will provide EUR 1.8 billion to support the green and digital transitions in Mercosur countries. These funds are to come from the EU budget as part of the Global Gateway initiative. This decision has caused controversy because some observers believe it may be a form of incentive or pressure to finalise the trade agreement.
In this context, I would welcome answers to the following questions:
- 1.Is the allocation of EUR 1.8 billion to Mercosur countries in any way dependent on the eventual signing and ratification of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement?
- 2.Do these funds form part of the political conditions attached to the negotiation of the trade agreement? If so, who made this decision and how was it made?
- 3.Did the Commission consult the Member States on the decision to allocate funds to the Mercosur countries before it was taken? If so, what procedure was followed and which countries were consulted?
Please provide precise answers to these questions.
Submitted: 9.2.2025