On 7 July 2026, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič addressed the European Parliament plenary debate on EU-Mexico relations, urging MEPs to support the modernised EU-Mexico trade agreement. Šefčovič described the deal as a modern and ambitious framework that would make almost all bilateral trade in goods tariff-free, remove duties on nearly all key EU agri-food exports, protect 569 European Geographical Indications, reduce non-tariff barriers, strengthen intellectual property rights, and expand EU firms' access to Mexico's public procurement market. He also highlighted legally binding commitments on labour rights, environmental protection, climate change, responsible business conduct, and trade and gender equality.
Šefčovič framed the agreement as essential in a context of increasing global trade disruptions and weaponisation of dependencies, arguing that the EU must keep markets open and diversify sources of imports. He noted that the EU already has 45 Free Trade Agreements with 81 countries, covering more than half of its trade, and that during this Commission's mandate landmark deals have been struck with Mexico, Mercosur, Indonesia, India, Australia, and Eastern and Southern African countries, while negotiations continue with the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The commercial ties between the EU and Mexico have grown significantly since the trade pillar of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement entered into force in 2000, with bilateral trade in goods increasing by 330% over 25 years. The EU is now Mexico's third largest trading partner and the second largest investor after the United States. The modernised agreement aims to deepen this partnership and strengthen cooperation on critical raw materials, digital trade, and support for small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Šefčovič called on the Parliament to send a clear message that Europe believes in fair trade, strong alliances, and strategic openness, and that with Mexico the EU chooses partnership and mutual benefits. The debate follows the conclusion of negotiations on the modernised agreement, which now requires approval by the European Parliament and the Council before it can enter into force.