On 8 July 2026, the European Parliament gave its green light to two agreements modernising the EU-Mexico relationship, paving the way for closer political ties and expanded trade. MEPs endorsed the modernised global agreement (MGA) by 479 votes to 119, with 65 abstentions, and the interim trade agreement (iTA) by 474 votes to 131, with 60 abstentions. The iTA covers trade parts of the MGA that are exclusive EU competence, allowing updated trade arrangements to apply earlier without waiting for all member states to ratify the MGA.
The agreements replace the current framework in place since 2000. The EU and Mexico signed the MGA and iTA on 22 May 2026. In a 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. The agreement would remove almost all remaining tariffs, benefiting EU farmers and agri-food exporters, as Mexican tariffs on products such as cheese and pork currently reach up to 45%. MEPs also welcome the protection of 568 EU geographical indications for traditional agri-food products in Mexico, making it illegal to sell imitations of distinctive EU regional food and drink specialities.
MEPs say the strategic partnership is vital to defend the rules-based international order and promote multilateralism. The MGA includes a binding commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights, and reinforces institutional dialogue on protecting civil society actors, journalists, and human rights defenders. It also enhances cooperation to strengthen judicial independence, promote good governance, increase transparency, and establishes joint actions against corruption, money laundering, and organised crime.
On public procurement, MEPs state that the agreement gives EU bidders unprecedented access to procurement markets in 14 Mexican states and 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 that procuring entities can take environmental and social considerations into account throughout procurement procedures.
Now that Parliament has given its consent, the Council will be able to formally conclude the MGA, after which the agreement needs ratification by all EU member states and Mexico before entering fully into force. The Council will also conclude the iTA, which will enter into force on the first day of the second month after the EU and Mexico notify each other of the completion of their internal procedures.
The agreements impact several stakeholders. EU exporters, especially agri-food producers, gain lower tariffs and protection of geographical indications, potentially increasing sales. EU firms in public procurement benefit from unprecedented access to Mexican state-level contracts. Mexican consumers may see more competitive prices and product variety. EU taxpayers face no direct cost, but the agreements may require monitoring and enforcement resources.