Gabriela Firea clarified that PSD MEPs did not vote for the EU-Mercosur agreement, but for protection measures for farmers, accusing USR of disinformation.

PSD MEP Gabriela Firea rejected the accusations that the social-democratic delegation voted for the EU-Mercosur agreement, stating that, in fact, they supported protective measures for farmers. Firea emphasized that the vote on December 16, 2025, was for a proposal for additional protective measures, not for the agreement itself, which will be voted on only in the second half of January. She accused USR and part of PNL of spreading false information and hypocrisy, mentioning that USR MEPs voted against essential clauses for the protection of farmers. Firea highlighted the differences between the proposed formulations and those voted on, criticizing the rejection of clauses regarding the environment and health. She also pointed out the lack of consultation with farmers by USR ministers.

In this context, Romania voted for the agreement, but internal disputes arose within the governing coalition, with PSD accusing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of betraying the interests of farmers. The Vice-President of the European Parliament, Victor Negrescu, mentioned that Romania will benefit from additional funds for agriculture, but warned that these do not compensate for the lack of firm guarantees for farmers. The agreement, negotiated since 1999, is considered a geopolitical victory for the EU, but critics warn that it will affect European agriculture through the influx of cheaper products.