Mitteilungen

• 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

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 geographical indications
• · Better access to public procurement for EU firms
• · Strengthened political and cooperation framework

On Tuesday, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade committees endorsed the upgraded EU-Mexico partnership, paving the way for closer political ties and expanded trade.

Once in force, the EU-Mexico modernised global agreement (MGA) will replace the current framework and increase EU agri-food exports by removing high tariffs, make it easier for EU companies to bid for government contracts in Mexico and strengthen the protection of climate and labour rights through enhanced cooperation and enforceable commitments.

It will also provide extra benefits for small businesses through simplified standards and procedures and allow more secure supply of materials critical for the green and digital transitions.

MEPs endorsed the MGA with 67 votes to 15, with three abstentions.

[...]

12 June 2026

Statement by the Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee on the occasion of the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a moment of enormous pride for Mexico and an extraordinary opportunity to show the world the richness of its history, the strength of its culture and the hospitality of its people.

As Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee, I am particularly pleased that a country so dear and close to many Europeans is once again at the centre of one of the most important sporting events on the planet.

Sport has a unique ability to unite people across borders, languages or differences. It promotes values such as respect, effort, teamwork and peaceful coexistence, values that also inspire cooperation between the European Union and Mexico.

I am convinced that Mexico will rise to this great challenge and take advantage of this historic occasion to share with millions of people its talent, its diversity and its organizational capacity.

On behalf of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee, I wish the greatest success to all participants, especially our teams, and convey my best wishes to the Mexican people for this World Cup to be a true celebration of sport, friendship and understanding between nations.

High-Level EP Delegation traveled to Mexico to attend the signing ceremony of the EU-Mexico Modernised Agreement (22 May 2026): A New Chapter in Strategic Partnership

MEXICO CITY (22 May 2026) - A high-level delegation from the European Parliament, comprising key representatives from the Delegation to the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee (D-MX), and the standing rapporteurs for Mexico of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), and the Committee on International Trade (INTA), were travelling to Mexico to attend signing ceremony of the EU-Mexico Modernised Agreement.

Led by Antonio Lopez-Istúriz White, Chair of the D-MX Delegation, accompanied by AFET standing rapporteur Javi Lopez and INTA standing rapporteur Borja Gimenez Larraz, the parliamentary mission took place on 21-22 May 2026, coinciding with the historic signing of the modernized Political, Economic, and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement (Modernised Global Agreement - MGA).

The EP delegation also attended a solemn ceremony at the Mexican Senate at the presence of the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa.

MEPs further attended other high-level meetings with both Mexican and European counterparts, before heading back to Europe.

Statement by Antonio Lopez-Istúriz White, Chair of D-MX Delegation:

"This visit, the first of its kind since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, marks a decisive moment for EU-Mexico relations. It is also historic, as this is the first time ever that a delegation of Members of the European Parliament accompanies the European Commission to the signing of an international agreement. The signing of the Modernised Agreement is not just an economic boost; it is a declaration of commitment to a deeper partnership based on shared democratic values and common goals. The European Parliament remains committed to working alongside our Mexican counterparts to ensure this partnership delivers tangible benefits for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic".

In light of the recent escalation of violence in Mexico, I wish to express, on behalf of our Delegation, our serious concern about the persistence of criminal activities that continue to challenge the authority of the State, jeopardizing the security of citizens.

The events that have recently occurred demonstrate that drug trafficking and criminal organizations maintain an operational capacity that affects not only public order, but also institutional stability and the fundamental freedoms of citizens.

The violent reaction to actions by Federal forces confirms that organized crime remains a structural phenomenon that demands a sustained, coordinated, and effective strategic response from all branches of the State.

We acknowledge the efforts of the security forces working to contain the violence. However, the response cannot be limited to isolated operations. Following my official visit to Guatemala last week, I would like to express my concern about the potential effects of this wave of terror spread by narco-terrorists in Central American countries such as Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.

We need comprehensive strategy that combine social prevention, institutional strengthening, judicial independence, and effective international cooperation, enabling us to effectively combat these transnational organized crime networks.

I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the citizens, police officers, and public servants who died during the recent violence following the neutralization of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho.

The EU and Mexico are about to sign a historic agreement that will deepen our bilateral relations and allow us to cooperate in various areas, including the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking.

There is no doubt that Mexico's stability is strategic for the entire region and for Europe. Therefore, it is necessary to implement all the reforms and civil and judicial actions that will allow Mexico and the European Union to benefit from the advantages guaranteed by the modernized agreement, including the protection and attraction of foreign direct investment and the strengthening of trade and economic ties.

In this regard, I call upon the European institutions, and in particular the European Commission, to provide all possible technical assistance to Mexico, a strategic and essential partner of the European Union.

23 May 2025

Statement by Antonio López-Istúriz White, Chair of the Delegation of the EU-México Joint Parliamentary Committee (D-MX), on the recent wave of political violence in México, including the murder of México City Mayor's Top Aids and the journalist Avisack Douglas.

The Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation to the EU-México Joint Parliamentary Committee (D-MX), Antonio López-Istúriz condemns in its strongest terms the murder of Ms Ximena Guzmán and Mr Jose Muñoz, which occurred in México City, México, on 20 May 2025.

Mr. López-Istúriz extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his heartfelt solidarity with the Mayor of México City and the Mexican government.

The Chair of the Delegation also wishes to express his deep concern over the recent wave of murders targeting politicians, journalists, and representatives of Mexican civil society. Examples like the attempted assassination of Veracruz mayoral candidate Xóchitl Tress, which led to the murder of Mexican journalist Avisack Douglas, shows the great security challenge that México faces.

The Chair of the Delegation joins the calls of Mexican authorities to ensure that these serious crimes do not go unpunished, urging that all necessary efforts be made to effectively combat political violence in México.

López-Istúriz stresses that only decisive action to suppress all forms of organized crime, along with stronger prevention of common crime, will enable México to confront the current political, economic, and social challenges. Security is the basis for the peaceful coexistence of our societies, and must represent one of the top priorities for any democratic government.

In this regard, it is important for all institutional and social actors, in cooperation with international organizations including the European Union, to strengthen their efforts to ensure more effective protection for journalists, politicians, and representatives of civil society who strive to guarantee a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future for México.

Leading MEPs welcome the conclusion of the negotiations on the modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement.

The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister (EPP, Germany), the Chair of the European Parliament's delegation for relations with Mexico Antonio López-Istúriz White (EPP, Spain), and the Committee on Foreign Affairs' standing rapporteur on EU-Mexico relations Javi López (S&D, Spain) issued the following statement on Friday.

"We warmly welcome the conclusion of the negotiations on the modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement, which marks a significant milestone in reinforcing our strategic partnership with Mexico and highlights the shared commitment of both parties to addressing key global challenges and advancing mutual interests.

The agreement reflects the deep political and geopolitical ties between the European Union and Mexico, underscoring our shared dedication to the principles of multilateralism and international cooperation. As longstanding like-minded partners, the EU and Mexico are uniquely positioned to strengthen the global rules-based order and address urgent global challenges.

This modernised agreement not only reaffirms our shared values and commitment to democracy, human rights, and sustainable development but also underscores the importance of judicial and police cooperation to tackle common challenges.

"The announcement today is a positive signal in a time of increasing protectionism and threats to the international trading system. This update was long overdue, but now we are finally there. I am glad we have managed to modernise this agreement and align it with the newest standards.

The economic benefits for both sides are clear. The agreement provides further stability in our economic and investment relations, among others for the many European investors in Mexico. Symbolically, it also demonstrates to the world that, despite rising tariff threats, Mexico and the EU are reinforcing their commitment to open, fair, and rules-based trade. The modernised deal offers a renewed platform for coordination on future challenges - especially important given that the EU and Mexico are both in the crossfire of Trump's tariff threats.

24 October 2024

Statement by Antonio López-Istúriz White, Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee (D-MX), on the recent murder of Catholic Priest and human rights defender, father Marcelo Pérez Pérez

The chair of the European Parliament's Delegation to the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee (D-MX), Antonio López-Istúriz, strongly condemns the murder of Father Marcelo Pérez Pérez, occurred in Chiapas, Mexico, on 20 October 2024.

Father Marcelo Pérez was known for his unwavering commitment to indigenous communities and workers, as well as for his tireless defence of the dignity and rights of the poor and marginalised. He was also a staunch opponent of organised criminal groups, whose illegal activities and violence severely affected southern Mexico in recent times.

The Chair of the delegation fully supports the content and the conclusions of the joint declaration issued by the European Union delegation to Mexico in association with the Embassies of Norway and Switzerland (attached to this statement).

Mr López-Istúriz urges the new Mexican government to redouble its efforts to ensure a stronger protection for social leaders and human rights defenders, especially in rural and peripheral areas of the country, and to effectively prosecute and impose exemplary punishment on those responsible for these crimes.

The D-MX chair takes the view that only by mobilising all national resources and working in full cooperation with all relevant actors at both national and international levels can the scourge of organized crime and drug trafficking, which has caused so much loss in Mexico, be overcome once and for all.

Mr López-Istúriz calls on the European Union and its Member States to assist Mexico, to the extent of their capabilities, in the fight against crime and violence, noting that it is also in Europeans' interest to prevent the violence of drug cartels and organized crime from spreading to European societies.

Background

The murder of father Perez, a prominent human rights advocate, is just the latest act in a dangerous escalation of the violence that has been affecting the Chiapas communities for months.

Chiapas, the Southernmost Mexican state, has fallen in a spiral of violence over the past year, with the Sinaloa cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel battling for control of the area.

Extreme drug-related violence is putting a serious strain on local communities and society in Chiapas, while severely undermining the rule of law.

The criminal groups harass migrants who cross the southern state on their way north, toward Mexico's border with the United States, and exact a heavy human toll on those who try to resist their violent actions.