14 Irish MEPs invited to attend Mercosur protest in Athlone - Mullooly
The national rally will take place on Saturday in Athlone. Pic: iStock
Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has clarified that while the EU-Mercosur trade agreement may be politically signed by the European Commission and the Council, it cannot enter into force without the approval of the European Parliament, which will be asked to vote on the deal in two weeks’ time in Strasbourg.
Mullooly outlined that the parliamentary vote is decisive: MEPs must either approve or reject the agreement, and there is no automatic outcome assumed at this stage.
The MEP said the upcoming vote represents one of the most significant trade decisions facing Irish representatives in recent years, with far-reaching implications for Irish agriculture, food standards and rural communities.
“In two weeks’ time, Irish MEPs will be asked to take a clear position on Mercosur,” Mullooly said. “This is not a procedural formality. Parliament’s decision will determine whether the agreement becomes law.”
He confirmed that all 14 Irish MEPs have been formally invited to attend and address a National Community Protest taking place at the TUS Arena, Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone, this Saturday, January 10 th at 12.30 p.m..
Mullooly welcomed confirmation that Independent South of Ireland MEP Michael McNamara has indicated his intention to attend the event.
“This is an important opportunity for engagement,” Mullooly said. “Communities have legitimate concerns about this agreement and deserve to hear directly from their elected representatives before such a consequential vote is taken.”
He added that the public mobilisation reflects the seriousness of the issues involved. “Mercosur is not an abstract trade debate. It raises real questions about fairness, standards and the future of Irish farming. Those concerns should be heard and considered before Parliament is asked to decide.”
