In a written answer on 27 July 2026, Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen assured that tariff rate quotas (TRQs) under the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement are administered exclusively by the EU, rejecting concerns that the system could allow third countries or private companies to dominate quota allocation. The response, addressed to a group of 23 MEPs led by Christophe Bay (PfE), aims to reassure EU agricultural stakeholders that the Commission retains full control and will monitor imports closely.
The question, signed by MEPs from the Patriots for Europe, European Conservatives and Reformists, and non-attached groups, warned that Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/888, adopted on 20 April 2026, allows Mercosur states to notify quota allocations among their operators, potentially enabling concentration by dominant players such as Brazilian meatpacker JBS. The MEPs argued this could disadvantage EU farmers and weaken the EU's commercial sovereignty.
In his reply, Hansen pointed to Regulation (EU) 2026/996, adopted on 29 April 2026, which amended existing TRQ management rules to incorporate the Mercosur quotas. He stressed that the official document required under Article 3.30 of the trade agreement merely allows Mercosur states to verify allocation among themselves, not to determine who receives quotas. The Commission, he said, will monitor import flows and price trends under Regulation (EU) 2026/687, the bilateral safeguard regulation adopted on 11 March 2026, and will report regularly to the European Parliament and the Council. The agreement also includes consultation and dispute settlement mechanisms.
The answer contains no concrete proposals for a revision clause or additional safeguards, instead relying on existing monitoring and legal tools. The Commission's position signals a commitment to the current framework, with future action limited to surveillance and reporting. Institutional follow-up is expected through regular reports to the Parliament and Council, with any changes likely requiring a formal proposal or dispute settlement procedure.