The special Parliamentary commission created to review the Interim Trade Agreement between Mercosur and the European Union approved on Monday the bill enabling its ratification, with support from the Frente Amplio, the National Party, and the Colorado Party.
Following this step, the text is ready for consideration by the full Senate, where it is expected to be voted on this Wednesday. If the anticipated timeline holds, it will move to the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Within the political system, final approval is widely expected, which would position Uruguay as the first country to ratify the treaty.
Prior to the vote, the commission received a delegation from the Executive Branch led by Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin and Economy Minister Gabriel Oddone. They presented the economic and strategic rationale for the agreement and responded to questions regarding its sectoral impact.
During the presentation, the economic team argued that the treaty expands market access for agro-industrial goods, consolidates key quotas — such as beef and rice — and improves competitiveness through lower costs for imported inputs. They also emphasized that the tariff reduction schedule is gradual and that no sectors are expected to face significant challenges during the first 10 years of implementation.
Parliamentary discussions raised concerns related to dairy products and potential impacts on the Brazilian market, as well as issues surrounding geographical indications and trade defense mechanisms. The Executive maintained that safeguard provisions are included within the agreement itself and that domestic policy tools remain available, for example in public procurement and productive development programs.
With a favorable committee ruling and a political landscape that points to majorities in both chambers, Uruguay is set to become the first country in the bloc to formally ratify the bi-regional agreement, in an international context marked by heightened trade and geopolitical uncertainty.
