Maroš Šefčovič

Stories

EU and Mercosur sign world's largest free trade agreement after 26 years

Parliament's consent vote is frozen while the Court of Justice reviews the agreement's structure, stalling his lobbying push

Negotiations between the EU and Mercosur began in 1999. Twenty-six years later, on January 17, 2026, representatives signed a comprehensive free trade agreement in Asunción, Paraguay—the same city where Mercosur itself was founded in 1991. The deal eliminates tariffs on more than 90% of bilateral trade and creates the world's largest free trade zone, covering over 700 million consumers and roughly a quarter of global GDP.

Updated Oct 23

Gibraltar's land border with Spain opens under EU-UK treaty

Rule Changes

As of July 2026: Signed the treaty for the EU

At midnight, workers who had queued for years at a passport checkpoint walked between Spain and Gibraltar without showing a document. The fence that marked the frontier since 1909 is gone. A treaty between the European Union and the United Kingdom took effect, folding the British territory into Europe's passport-free Schengen zone.

Updated Jul 15

US-EU trade deal ratification standoff

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Pressing Washington to restore original Turnberry tariff terms ahead of July deadline

Trump and von der Leyen announced a US-EU trade framework at Turnberry, Scotland, in July 2025. The deal still isn't ratified, nearly ten months on. On May 8, Trump gave Brussels until July 4 to close it, threatening tariffs above the 25% levy already on European cars.

Updated May 31

The EU-India free trade deal: racing toward a January finish

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Successfully concluded negotiations for what he called 'the largest trade deal ever'

After 19 years, 14 formal rounds, and a January sprint that defied skeptics, India and the European Union concluded their free trade agreement on January 26, 2026. EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, attending India's Republic Day as chief guests, jointly announced the deal with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 27.

Updated May 20

Europe’s €3 parcel duty is the opening shot in a bigger war on ultra-cheap imports

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Publicly backing tougher EU action on low-value import flows

The EU just put a price tag on the business model that turned "free shipping from China" into a daily habit. On 12 December 2025, EU governments approved a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value e-commerce parcels under €150—starting 1 July 2026.

Updated May 15

Notable Quotes

"We will start lobbying Monday to get European Parliament members on board with the deal in hopes of seeing it passed in the first half of this year." — January 2026

from EU and Mercosur sign world's largest free trade agreement after 26 years · Updated Oct 23

"It has taken four years of patient, complex negotiation. It is a very special feeling to see a fence come down."

from Gibraltar's land border with Spain opens under EU-UK treaty · Updated Jul 15

A kind of milestone for us is the end of January. The EU should be the official guest at India's National Day. It would be a great opportunity to conclude this agreement. — January 2026

from The EU-India free trade deal: racing toward a January finish · Updated May 20

This is the largest trade deal ever. Several sectors on both sides are set to benefit from this agreement such as the EU automotive, aerospace, machinery, and chemicals industries. — January 27, 2026

from The EU-India free trade deal: racing toward a January finish · Updated May 20

"With e-commerce expanding rapidly, the world is changing fast – and we need the right tools to keep pace." — Maroš Šefčovič

from Europe’s €3 parcel duty is the opening shot in a bigger war on ultra-cheap imports · Updated May 15