Strasbourg – The European Parliament was deeply divided on Monday, January 19, 2026, during a heated plenary debate on a motion of censure against the European Commission, triggered by the recently signed trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc. The motion, tabled by the far-right Patriots for Europe group and supported by members from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and Europe of Sovereign Nations, accuses the Commission of bypassing democratic procedures, undermining European farmers, and prioritizing geopolitical interests over agricultural and environmental safeguards.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was conspicuously absent from the Strasbourg chamber during the debate, opting instead to be represented by EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. This decision quickly became a central point of contention, with critics across the political spectrum accusing her of showing disdain for parliamentary scrutiny and the widespread farmer protests that have gripped parts of the EU in recent months.
Kinga Gál, a prominent MEP from the Patriots for Europe group, sharply condemned von der Leyen's absence. "This shows contempt for both the European Parliament and the thousands of farmers protesting across the EU," Gál stated during her intervention. She argued that the Commission had "forced through" the Mercosur deal despite strong opposition from agricultural sectors in France, Ireland, Poland, Hungary, and other member states, labeling the safeguards as "empty" and insufficient to protect sensitive sectors like beef, poultry, dairy, and sugar.
The EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and its associated Interim Trade Agreement (iTA) were formally signed on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Asunción, Paraguay, following more than 25 years of intermittent and often contentious negotiations. The signing ceremony was attended by von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and leaders from Mercosur's core members—Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—with additional representation from associate states. The deal, which creates one of the world's largest free-trade zones covering nearly 700 million people, promises significant tariff reductions: Mercosur exporters gain preferential access to EU markets for agricultural products, while European industries benefit from expanded opportunities in South America for machinery, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and other goods.
The agreement's path to completion accelerated in late 2024 and early 2026. A political breakthrough occurred in December 2024, followed by EU member states' qualified majority approval on January 9, 2026, despite opposition from France and others. The signing marked a geopolitical win for the EU amid rising global protectionism, trade fragmentation, and competition from powers like China and the United States under President Donald Trump.
Commissioner Šefčovič defended the deal robustly in the debate, reaffirming Brussels' commitment to ongoing dialogue with the Parliament and member states. He highlighted "unprecedented" safeguards incorporated into the agreement, including strict quotas on sensitive agricultural imports, a rebalancing mechanism to address future EU regulatory changes (such as the EU Deforestation Regulation), and provisions for sustainable development and environmental standards. Šefčovič stressed that no decision has yet been taken on provisional application of the trade elements, which could begin before full ratification.
Despite these assurances, skepticism remained widespread. Mainstream political groups, however, signaled strong opposition to the censure motion itself. Jeroen Lenaers of the center-right European People's Party (EPP)—von der Leyen's own political family—described the motion as a "political tool" rather than a legitimate accountability mechanism. "A motion of censure should not be reduced to a campaign prop," Lenaers warned, emphasizing that the EU could ill afford institutional instability amid escalating geopolitical pressures, economic challenges, and transatlantic tensions.
The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group echoed this stance, committing to vote against the motion, as did Renew Europe. Representatives from these centrist and liberal forces argued that removing the entire Commission would weaken the EU's collective ability to respond cohesively to external threats, including trade wars and security concerns.
From the left, Manon Aubry of The Left group voiced sharp criticism of the Commission, accusing it of "trampling democracy" through opaque negotiations and ignoring stakeholder concerns. "Mrs. von der Leyen has caused too much damage, and she should go," Aubry declared. However, she distanced herself from the far-right sponsors, adding, "But the extreme right is not the alternative."
The motion requires a demanding threshold for adoption: a two-thirds majority of votes cast, representing an absolute majority of Parliament's 720 members (at least 361 votes in favor). Previous censure attempts against von der Leyen—three in the current term alone, including ones linked to Mercosur and other issues—have all failed decisively, with centrist majorities rallying to her defense.
Parliamentary procedure dictates that the motion, formally registered as B10-0063/2026 and tabled on January 14, 2026, under Rule 131, will proceed to a roll-call vote on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Observers widely expect it to be rejected, given the arithmetic in the chamber where Patriots for Europe (around 84 MEPs), ECR (78), and allied right-wing factions fall far short of the required support.
Parallel to the censure debate, MEPs are set to vote on Wednesday, January 21, on requests for opinions from the European Court of Justice regarding the deal's compatibility with EU Treaties, particularly concerning its legal basis and mechanisms like rebalancing clauses. Left-leaning and Green MEPs have pushed for such referrals, arguing that certain provisions could conflict with EU environmental laws.
The Mercosur agreement faces further hurdles before full entry into force. It requires ratification by the European Parliament (for the trade and partnership elements) and national parliaments in EU member states where mixed competences apply. Provisional application of trade provisions is possible but politically fraught given farmer opposition and environmental concerns over potential increased deforestation-linked imports.
Farmer protests, including tractor convoys in France, blockades in Poland, and demonstrations in Ireland and Germany, have underscored deep unease. Agricultural lobbies argue that tariff cuts on Mercosur beef (up to 99,000 tonnes quota), poultry, and ethanol threaten livelihoods and food sovereignty, while critics highlight contradictions with the EU's Green Deal ambitions.
As the debate concluded, the Parliament's divisions reflected broader tensions: between free-trade advocates seeking diversification and critics prioritizing domestic protections. With the censure motion poised to fail, attention now shifts to the ratification process, potential legal challenges, and whether provisional application will proceed amid ongoing unrest.
