EU lawmakers vote to block Mercosur trade agreement

European Union (EU) lawmakers on Wednesday voted to block a major free trade agreement with the Mercosur group of South American countries over concerns about the legality of the deal.

In a vote in Strasbourg, France, the lawmakers narrowly approved sending the EU-Mercosur agreement to Europe’s top court to rule on whether it is in line with the bloc’s treaties. The lawmakers voted by 334 votes in favor to 324 against, with 11 abstentions.

The long-sought after free trade agreement was just signed into effect on Saturday. It aimed to strengthen commercial ties in the face of rising protectionism and trade tensions around the world.

AP