EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement close to ratification

26 European business associations have called for the rapid ratification of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement, emphasising its importance for industrial competitiveness, trade diversification and sustainable growth in Europe. The joint declaration, endorsed by a broad coalition of European industries, emphasises that the EU-Mercosur partnership represents a strategic opportunity to deepen economic and political ties between two regions that together account for one fifth of the global economy and a population of over 750 million people. In an increasingly fragmented global trade environment, this agreement represents a clear commitment to openness, cooperation and shared prosperity. For the European tanning industry, the agreement offers an important opportunity to improve access to necessary resources, strengthen cooperation and build more resilient and sustainable supply and value chains. 

In addition to trade, the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement integrates strong commitments to sustainable development, including action on climate change, biodiversity protection and social and labour rights. It will provide a framework for responsible trade that supports the objectives of the European Green Deal and the circular economy, while preserving sensitive sectors and promoting high-value industrial cooperation. COTANCE joins its European industry partners in calling on the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament to proceed swiftly with the ratification of both the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement (iTA) and the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA). The ratification of this agreement is not only a step towards stronger international partnerships, but also a key investment in Europe’s industrial resilience, competitiveness and sustainable future.