The European Parliament debated the modernised EU–Mexico Strategic Partnership Agreement on 7 July 2026, with rapporteurs Javi López (S&D) and Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP) framing it as a geopolitical and trade diversification tool.
Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič highlighted tariff removal, SME benefits, and sustainability commitments, urging swift consent. The centre-right EPP, centre-left S&D, liberal Renew, and Greens-EFA broadly supported the deal as a strategic choice against US unpredictability and Chinese unfairness, while The Left (Manon Aubry, Kateřina Konečná) and Greens-EFA (Diana Riba i Giner) criticised non-enforceable sustainability clauses, job offshoring risks, and investor protection. Patriots for Europe (Gilles Pennelle, Elisabeth Dieringer) and ESN (Alexander Sell) questioned democratic legitimacy and farmer protections. ECR (Waldemar Buda) warned against external dependence. On rule of law, EPP (Ana Miguel Pedro, Antonio López-Istúriz White) pressed for conditionality on judicial independence and security, while S&D (Hana Jalloul Muro) rejected paternalism. Agri-food sensitivities (honey, tuna) were raised by Elena Yoncheva (NI) and Francisco José Millán Mon (EPP). The missing energy chapter drew regret from EPP and Renew, but Šefčovič cited a review clause. The vote was scheduled for the next day. Affected stakeholders include EU SMEs, agri-food exporters, Mexican workers, and multinationals.