FRANKFURT – Despite recent delays, the European Union remains poised to initiate a significant free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc of South American countries. This readiness comes even with the EU Parliament’s decision to postpone ratification pending a legal examination, as stated by the head of the EU’s executive commission on Friday.

The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed the EU’s willingness to proceed once at least one Mercosur nation ratifies the agreement. This announcement was made following a summit of EU leaders in Brussels, where the topic was prominently discussed by several national leaders.

“It’s crucial that we secure the advantages of this agreement at the earliest opportunity,” von der Leyen remarked during a press conference. “In essence, we are prepared to act as soon as they are ready.”

Von der Leyen clarified that a formal decision to enact the agreement is yet to be made.

Additionally, Antonio Costa, the head of the EU council representing member governments, confirmed at the same conference that the executive commission has the authority to proceed with temporary implementation.

Such a move is expected to face opposition, particularly from France, a leading critic of the deal. Just this week, the European Parliament narrowly voted to send the trade agreement to the European Court of Justice for a legal review. This action has delayed ratification, as the Parliament cannot proceed until the court delivers its decision—a process that could extend over several months.

The deal is central to Brussels’ plan to form trade relations outside a historic dependency on the U.S. in the wake of antagonism and aggression during U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term. They’ve struck deals from Japan to Mexico and are expected to sign a similar accord with India later this month.

Supported by South America’s cattle-raising countries and European industrial interests, the accord is aimed at gradually eliminating more than 90% of tariffs on goods ranging from Argentine beef to German cars, creating one of the world’s largest free trade zones and making shopping cheaper for more than 700 million consumers.

France, Europe’s major agricultural producer, wanted stronger protections for farmers and has sought to delay the pact.

However German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the vote to delay “regrettable” and has urged provisional application of the agreement.

Ratification is considered all but guaranteed in South America, where the agreement has broad support.

Mercosur consists of the region’s two biggest economies, Argentina and Brazil, as well as Paraguay and Uruguay. Bolivia, the bloc’s newest member, is not included the trade deal, but could join in the coming years. Venezuela has been suspended from the bloc and is not included in the agreement.