*By Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
The European Union and Mexico have been trusted partners for many decades. Now, in an age of rising geopolitical tensions, we must seize with both hands every chance to deepen that partnership – and this week’s EU-Mexico Summit has delivered the results we need.
Our Global Agreement, signed in 1997, was among the most ambitious ever concluded by the EU. This landmark deal – a pioneering development for both sides – has helped trade between us to quadruple.
Yesterday I was honoured to sign, together with President Claudia Sheinbaum, a crucially important update to this Agreement.
Europe is today the second-largest export destination for Mexico; and tens of thousands of European companies export to Mexico in return – the vast majority of which are small businesses. More than 11,000 European companies have offices in Mexico – directly or indirectly supporting 5 million jobs.
But the world has changed. We have entered a harsh new phase. An era of tariffs and export controls, of industrial rivalries and geopolitical fragmentation. Disruptions from the Middle East to the Indo Pacific show clearly how interconnected – and vulnerable – the global economy remains. That’s why our renewed EU-Mexico Global Agreement is so important – it ties us to each other for the long term, with a promise to deliver even more win-win outcomes for our people.
The foundations remain the same – our common values, a desire to diversify and grow our economies, and an unwavering commitment to rules-based cooperation. What is new is the urgency of this moment. With our modernised agreement, we are laying a trust-based foundation to deepen cooperation across a range of areas: de-risking strategic sectors, sustainable development and climate action, human rights and gender equality, and more.
In an uncertain world, our commitment to work closely together on promoting international peace and security, and reforming global institutions really matters. This is a signal that will be heard globally.
Our pledge to grow trade and investment also matters. By removing tariffs across a range of areas, exporters on both sides will benefit.
Take agri-food: Mexico is a large, fast-growing market of over 130 million consumers and a major importer. By removing 99% of tariffs, the agreement will save Europe’s agrifood sector an estimated €100 million every year and deliver greater consumer choice for Mexicans. It will open new markets for producers from both regions, while maintaining the highest standards for food health and safety and promoting environmentally friendly practices. Importantly, the agreement will protect hundreds of heritage products from imitation – from Greek feta to Spanish Rioja. Products that carry generations of tradition and craftsmanship. This agreement will protect their heritage, while giving room for growth.
We are equally ambitious when it comes to investment. Europe is already one of Mexico’s largest sources of foreign investment. Now, we are investing an additional €5 billion in key industries: clean energy and the infrastructure to bring it to all corners of the country; modern rail connections and decarbonised ports; local pharmaceutical production and circular value chains. These changes benefit both sides. For Mexico, they mean high quality, local jobs and stronger capacity at home. For Europe, they open new markets and stabilise value chains. And overall, they mean greater economic security and competitiveness in the decades to come.
Another area for enhanced cooperation is critical raw minerals. Both the EU and Mexico need a reliable supply of these minerals to drive their green and digital economic transformations. Mexico is already a key supplier of fluorspar, used in chemicals, steelmaking, and ceramics. It is a top exporter of zinc and copper – the minerals that underpin electric grids, batteries, and clean technologies. Our modernised agreement eliminates all tariffs and restrictions on these minerals. At a time when critical resources are increasingly weaponised, this will help ensure stable, reliable supply chains.
Europe and Mexico see the world with the same eyes. And in a time of growing fragmentation, we are choosing openness and partnership. Because of this, we will both be stronger.
2026 has been a defining year for Europe’s ambitious trade agenda – and we are still only in May. We have agreed strong, ambitious new deals with India, Australia, and now Mexico;while our agreement with the Mercosur region is already applying provisionally.
The economic benefits of these deals are undeniable, but their value goes much further. We are tying ourselves to like-minded partners, proving the enduring worth of win-win cooperation.
We are making Europe safer, stronger, more prosperous, and more influential on the global stage. And we will deliver even more before the end of 2026.
