Parliament backs modernised EU-Mexico partnership and easier trade 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.

• Lower tariffs and protection of traditional EU agri-food products 
• Unprecedented access to public procurement for EU firms 
• Partnership vital to defend rules-based international order and multilateralism 

On Wednesday, MEPs gave their green light to two agreements paving the way for closer political ties and expanded trade between EU and Mexico.

The EU-Mexico modernised global agreement (MGA) will replace the current framework, in place since 2000, promoting new opportunities for business, sustainable development and the fight against corruption. MEPs endorsed the MGA by 479 votes to 119, with 65 abstentions.

The interim trade agreement (iTA), approved by 474 votes to 131, with 60 abstentions, covers the trade parts of the MGA that are an exclusive EU competence (such as customs duties, the protection of EU innovations and traditional products, and access to Mexican public tenders). It will allow for the updated trade arrangements to apply earlier, without waiting for all EU member states to ratify the MGA. The interim trade deal will expire and be replaced by the MGA once it enters fully into force.

Lower tariffs and protection of EU agri-food products

In the resolution accompanying the MGA, adopted by 388 votes to 161, with 120 abstentions, MEPs stress that under the most ambitious scenario, total EU exports of goods and services could increase by 75%, while EU companies could save up to €100 million annually in customs duties. They note that the agreement would remove almost all remaining tariffs, benefitting EU farmers and agri-food exporters, as Mexican tariffs imposed on products such as cheese and pork currently reach up to 45%. They also welcome the fact that 568 EU geographical indications for traditional agri-food products will be protected in Mexico, making it illegal to sell imitations of distinctive EU regional food and drink specialities.

Rule of law, democratic governance and human rights

In an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape, MEPs say the strategic partnership between the EU and Mexico is vital to defend the rules-based international order and promote multilateralism.

MEPs stress that the MGA includes a binding commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights. The agreement reinforces the institutional dialogue on protecting civil society actors, journalists, and human rights defenders. It also enhances cooperation to strengthen judicial independence, promote good governance, and increase transparency. Furthermore, it establishes joint actions against corruption, money laundering, and organised crime.

Public procurement

MEPs state that the agreement gives EU bidders unprecedented access to procurement markets in 14 Mexican states and to a broader range of public contracts. They demand further effort to promote access for European companies to public procurement markets in all Mexican states and welcome the fact that procuring entities will be able to take environmental and social considerations into account throughout 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) are available here.

Press conference

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

Next steps

Now that Parliament has given its consent, the Council will be able to formally conclude the MGA, after which the agreement will need to be ratified by all EU member states and Mexico before entering fully into force. The Council will also be able to conclude the iTA, which will enter into force on the first day of the second month following the date on which the EU and Mexico notify each other of the completion of their internal procedures.

Background

Mexico is the EU’s second-largest trading Latin American partner. The EU is Mexico’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export market after the US. Trade relations between the EU and Mexico are currently governed by the trade 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.