Von der Leyen: Europe and Mexico strengthen their partnership

From the reader. The European Union and Mexico have been mutually trusted partners for decades. As geopolitical tensions rise, we must seize every opportunity to deepen this partnership. At the EU-Mexico summit this week, we were able to do just that.

The comprehensive agreement signed in 1997 was one of the most ambitious agreements ever made by the EU. This groundbreaking agreement opened up completely new development opportunities for both parties, and thanks to it, we have quadrupled our mutual trade.

Yesterday I had the honor of signing the president Claudia Sheinbaumin with an important update to this agreement.

Europe is currently Mexico’s second largest export destination, and tens of thousands of European companies in turn export goods to Mexico. Most of them are small businesses. More than 11,000 European companies have offices in Mexico. These companies directly or indirectly employ five million people.

Important in an uncertain situation

However, the world has changed, and times are tough. Many countries have introduced new customs and export control measures, competition is fierce and geopolitical fragmentation is increasing. Among other things, the unstable situation in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region clearly shows how dependent the different parts of the world economy are on each other.

This also makes it vulnerable to interference. This is why the renewed EU-Mexico Comprehensive Agreement is so important: it binds us together for the long term and allows for even better outcomes that benefit the citizens of both.

The basis of the partnership remains the same: shared values, the desire to diversify and grow our economies, and an unwavering commitment to rule-based cooperation. What is new is the need for urgent actions arising from the current situation. With the renewed agreement, we create a foundation based on trust for deepening cooperation in several fields. These include, for example, risk management in strategic sectors, sustainable development and climate action, human rights and gender equality.

In this uncertain world situation, it is important that we commit ourselves to close cooperation to promote international peace and security and to reform global institutions. This message will be heard around the world.

Equally important is our commitment to increase trade and investment. Removing tariffs in several sectors will benefit exporters from both sides.

An example of this is agricultural food. Mexico is a large, fast-growing market with more than 130 million consumers and a major food importer. By eliminating 99 percent of tariffs, the agreement saves the EU’s agri-food sector an estimated 100 million euros annually and increases Mexican consumers’ choice. The agreement opens up new markets for producers in both regions. Food safety will continue to be monitored very closely.

The agreement also promotes environmentally friendly practices. It should also be noted that the agreement protects hundreds of European cultural heritage products from imitation. Such products include, for example, Greek feta cheese and Spanish Rioja wine. They have long traditions and are based on generations of craftsmanship. The agreement protects their heritage and at the same time gives room for growth.

We are equally ambitious when it comes to investment. Europe is already one of Mexico’s biggest sources of foreign investment. We are now investing another 5 billion euros in key industries, which include clean energy and infrastructure that we want to extend to every corner of the country, modern rail connections and low-carbon ports, local pharmaceutical production and circular economy value chains.

These changes are beneficial for both parties. For Mexico, they mean high-quality local jobs and stronger capacity at home. For Europe, they open up new markets and stabilize value chains. All in all, the changes will improve financial security and competitiveness in the coming decades.

Another example of better cooperation is critical raw minerals. Both the EU and Mexico need reliable suppliers of raw minerals to contribute to the green and digital transition of the economy. Mexico is already one of the most important suppliers of fluorspar used in chemicals, steelmaking and the ceramics industry. It also takes a lot of zinc and copper, which are needed, for example, in electrical networks, batteries and clean technologies.

The revised agreement removes all tariffs and restrictions on these minerals. Critical resources are used more and more as a means of pressure in today’s world, but our agreement helps to ensure stable and reliable supply chains.

Impressive new contracts

Europe and Mexico see the world through the same eyes. In this time of increasing fragmentation, we choose openness and partnership. It strengthens us both.

2026 has been a crucial year for Europe’s ambitious trade policy – and it’s only May. We have made strong and impressive new deals with India, Australia and now Mexico. The agreement with the Mercosur region is already being applied temporarily.

The financial benefits of these agreements are undeniable, but their value is even greater. We commit to cooperation with like-minded partners, which is proof of the sustainable importance of cooperation that benefits all parties.

We make Europe safer, stronger, more prosperous and more influential on the world stage. Before the end of 2026, we can do even better.

Ursula von der Leyen

President of the European Commission