Schenk criticizes vote on Mercosur free trade agreement

The Saxon MEP Oliver Schenk (CDU) has sharply criticized the European Parliament's vote on the free trade agreement with the South American confederation Mercosur. Following the Parliament's decision, the agreement is to be referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). A very narrow majority of MEPs in Strasbourg voted in favor of a review by the judges in Luxembourg.

Delay brings risks for foreign trade

The referral is less about legal clarification than about delay - with serious consequences for the EU's credibility and ability to act and noticeable risks for foreign trade, emphasized Schenk. "On a day when the future of the global economic order is being discussed in Davos, a majority in the European Parliament is failing to recognize the seriousness of the situation." The vote was supported by a problematic majority that was shirking its responsibility for Europe.

Schenk sees Europe's negotiating position weakened

According to Schenk, the involvement of the ECJ in an agreement that has already been negotiated does not make a real contribution to clarification, but sends an international signal of a lack of reliability. This weakens Europe's negotiating position and makes future trade agreements more difficult - to the detriment of export regions such as Saxony. Industry and SMEs are dependent on open markets, stable rules and planning security. "Putting the agreement on the back burner jeopardizes jobs, value creation and investments - especially in Saxony."