The European Parliament has voted to refer the EU Mercosur trade agreement to the Court of Justice of the European Union, delaying approval by at least a year.
The narrowly passed motion, approved by 334 votes to 324, suspends the ratification process while judges assess whether the deal complies with EU treaties.
The agreement involves the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur.
Supporters say the referral ensures legal certainty, while critics argue it adds further uncertainty to an already contentious trade pact.
