Press releases

SPIRITSEUROPE WELCOMES THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S DECISION TO PROVISIONALLY APPLY THE EU-MERCOSUR INTERIM TRADE AGREEMENT

Brussels, 27 February 2026 - spiritsEUROPE welcomes the decision by the European Commission to provisionally apply the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement, following the ratification of the Agreement by Argentina and Uruguay.

“We strongly welcome the European Commission’s decision to provisionally apply the EU-Mercosur Agreement, in line with the Council’s mandate. This agreement, 25 years in the making, is a landmark step for EU trade policy and a major opportunity for the EU spirits sector. It will deliver meaningful new market access, strengthen the protection of our geographical indications, support the phasing out of costly trade barriers and provide companies with greater options in terms of diversification. Most importantly, it reinforces the EU’s leadership in promoting open and fair trade.”, said Mark Titterington, Director General of spiritsEUROPE.

At a time when global trade relationships are under strain, application of the EU-Mercosur agreement sends a powerful signal in support of cooperation and shared growth. For EU spirits producers, it opens the door to a dynamic region of over 260 million consumers, reduces barriers that have long constrained exports, from tariffs of up to 20% to numerous non-tariff barriers and creates the prospect for a more predictable business environment. More broadly, it strengthens economic ties between two major regions, supporting jobs, investment and sustainable growth on both sides.

ENDS