Harris says issue will continue after Ireland opposes EU‑Mercosur vote

Ireland's government will oppose the EU‑Mercosur trade agreement in its current form, Tanaiste Simon Harris said, and he noted the European Parliament will still need to ratify the deal.

Ireland's deputy prime minister said the government would not support the EU‑Mercosur trade agreement in its current form after intensive internal deliberations. He said assurances had been secured but were not sufficient to address concerns about environmental and food standards. Harris emphasised that the issue reflects strong views from farmers and consumers and is not only a rural concern. The EU Council is due to vote on the deal on Friday, and the European Parliament would also have to ratify the agreement. Key points: - The Irish Government announced it will oppose the EU‑Mercosur agreement in its current form. - Tanaiste Simon Harris said assurances obtained did not resolve concerns about parity, standards and fairness for the Irish agri‑food sector. - The Irish Farmers' Association opposed the deal, and the government's decision was welcomed by the IFA, the Labour Party and Independent Ireland. - The EU Council vote is scheduled for Friday; the agreement would still require ratification by the European Parliament. - Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticised the government's handling and said she will bring a motion to the Dáil next week. - Harris said he had been engaging with like‑minded countries and with Fine Gael MEPs about possible safeguards. Summary: The government's position reflects domestic concern about environmental and food‑safety standards and parity for Irish producers, and it means Ireland will oppose the deal in its current form at the Council vote. If the Council approves the agreement, it would still require a vote in the European Parliament where Irish and other MEPs can continue to raise issues. Parliamentary debate in Ireland is also expected next week when Sinn Féin brings a motion to the Dáil.