Ahead of the discussions and potential Council decision to authorise the signing of the EU-Mercosur agreement the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) urges EU institutions and Member States to ensure that any move forward is accompanied by strong social safeguards, including clear and credible safeguard mechanisms and flanking measure for workers and effective implementation of labour commitments.
As the geopolitical environment has become immensely more challenging, the EU must consider how to strengthen relations with democratic partners and reinforce stability. Intensification of trade can offer opportunities, particularly for European industry. But trade can only support European policy objectives if it delivers decent work and fair competition. Trade unions on both sides, as key democratic actors, must be fully involved in shaping and monitoring this process.
The decisions taken next week will shape how the agreement is perceived and implemented. As safeguards, monitoring and support mechanisms are being discussed, practical adjustment and support measures for workers must be introduced too.
Implementation choices made now must deliver for workers. The ETUC therefore calls on EU institutions and Member States, in the context of next week’s discussions, to ensure that decisions include:
- A robust and credible approach to the Trade and Sustainable Development chapter, making full use of procedures to promote respect for ILO core conventions and to address labour rights concerns promptly and effectively;
- Clearly defined flanking measures for workers, including: effective access to existing EU adjustment instruments, such as the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund and ESF+; targeted support for workers in sectors affected by restructuring linked to the agreement; an early and comprehensive review of employment and social impacts, allowing corrective action where necessary;
- A meaningful and well-resourced role for trade unions in monitoring and implementation, including effective Domestic Advisory Groups and structured dialogue with trade unions in Mercosur countries;
- Consistent use of social conditionality tools already available to the EU, ensuring that trade preferences remain aligned with respect for trade union rights, collective bargaining and fundamental labour standards.
Claes-Mikael Ståhl, ETUC Deputy General Secretary, said:
“The discussions taking place next week are not just procedural. They will determine whether the EU-Mercosur agreement can gain public trust, social legitimacy and political credibility.
“Just as safeguards, monitoring and financial support are being prepared for farmers, workers must have access to adjustment tools, early warning mechanisms and effective social impact monitoring from the outset.
“If labour commitments aren’t made stronger or if safeguard mechanisms and flanking measures are absent, the agreement risks fuelling social dumping, deepening inequalities and undermining public confidence in trade policy.
“Supporting democratic partners also means investing in decent work, strong trade unions and functioning social dialogue. These are not abstract values, they are practical conditions for stable societies and fair competition, and they must be reflected in the decisions taken now.”
