Parliament backs modernised EU-Mexico partnership and simpler commerce | Information

The EU-Mexico modernised international settlement (MGA) will substitute the present framework, in place since 2000, selling new alternatives for enterprise, sustainable improvement and the combat towards corruption. MEPs endorsed the MGA by 479 votes to 119, with 65 abstentions.

The interim commerce settlement (iTA), accepted by 474 votes to 131, with 60 abstentions, covers the commerce elements of the MGA which might be an unique EU competence (resembling customs duties, the safety of EU improvements and conventional merchandise, and entry to Mexican public tenders). It will permit for the up to date commerce preparations to use earlier, with out ready for all EU member states to ratify the MGA. The interim commerce deal will expire and get replaced by the MGA as soon as it enters totally into power.

Lower tariffs and safety of EU agri-food merchandise

In the decision accompanying the MGA, adopted by 388 votes to 161, with 120 abstentions, MEPs stress that beneath probably the most formidable situation, complete EU exports of products and companies might improve by 75%, whereas EU firms might save as much as €100 million yearly in customs duties. They observe that the settlement would take away virtually all remaining tariffs, benefitting EU farmers and agri-food exporters, as Mexican tariffs imposed on merchandise resembling cheese and pork presently attain as much as 45%. They additionally welcome the truth that 568 EU geographical indications for conventional agri-food merchandise will likely be protected in Mexico, making it unlawful to promote imitations of distinctive EU regional food and drinks specialities.

Rule of legislation, democratic governance and human rights

In an more and more fragmented geopolitical panorama, MEPs say the strategic partnership between the EU and Mexico is significant to defend the rules-based worldwide order and promote multilateralism.

MEPs stress that the MGA features a binding dedication to democratic rules, the rule of legislation, and elementary human rights. The settlement reinforces the institutional dialogue on defending civil society actors, journalists, and human rights defenders. It additionally enhances cooperation to strengthen judicial independence, promote good governance, and improve transparency. Furthermore, it establishes joint actions towards corruption, cash laundering, and organised crime.

Public procurement

MEPs state that the settlement provides EU bidders unprecedented entry to procurement markets in 14 Mexican states and to a broader vary of public contracts. They demand additional effort to advertise entry for European firms to public procurement markets in all Mexican states and welcome the truth that procuring entities will be capable to take environmental and social concerns into consideration all through procurement procedures.

Quotes

Statements by Foreign Affairs (AFET) Committee chair David McAllister (EPP, DE), International Trade (INTA) Committee chair Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), AFET rapporteur Javi López (S&D, ES) and INTA rapporteur Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP, ES) can be found right here.

Press convention

Following the vote, AFET rapporteur Javi López (S&D, ES) and INTA rapporteur Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP, ES) will maintain a press convention at 14.00 CET.

Next steps

Now that Parliament has given its consent, the Council will be capable to formally conclude the MGA, after which the settlement will must be ratified by all EU member states and Mexico earlier than coming into totally into power. The Council may also be capable to conclude the iTA, which is able to enter into power on the primary day of the second month following the date on which the EU and Mexico notify one another of the completion of their inner procedures.

Background

Mexico is the EU’s second-largest buying and selling Latin American accomplice. The EU is Mexico’s third-largest buying and selling accomplice and second-largest export market after the US. Trade relations between the EU and Mexico are presently ruled by the commerce pillar of the EU-Mexico Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement (the ‘Global Agreement’). The EU and Mexico signed the MGA and the iTA on 22 May 2026.