EU-Mexico Political, Economic and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement (Interim report)
The European Parliament adopted by 388 votes to 161, with 120 abstentions, a resolution in view of the consent procedure on the Political, Economic and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Mexico (interim agreement).
Bi-regional and strategic importance
Parliament underlined the geopolitical significance of a strong strategic partnership between the EU and Mexico that upholds human rights, social and political rights, and environmental standards. It acknowledged Mexico's strategic importance as a key partner of the Union and a member of the G20, as well as the constructive and influential role it plays in promoting a rules-based international order.
Recalling that relations between the two parties are based on deep ties and common values, Parliament insisted that the modernised agreement will further consolidate this long-standing partnership, strengthening political dialogue and cooperation on global issues, while promoting stability, prosperity and mutual understanding between the two regions.
Cooperation
Members welcomed the provisions providing for comprehensive cooperation in the following areas: security and justice (including anti-corruption, money laundering and organised crime), human mobility and migration management, environmental protection, biodiversity loss, climate action, energy transition and ocean governance, as well as education, culture, research, innovation and the digital economy.
Concerned by the rise in organised crime and drug trafficking both in the EU and in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), including Mexico, Members are convinced that the agreement between the Union and Mexico will contribute to the fight against organised crime and stressed that efforts in this area, particularly with regard to drug trafficking, must be intensified.
The resolution underlined the importance of strengthening judicial cooperation and encouraged in-depth cooperation between the EU and Mexico in the field of cybersecurity.
Democracy, rights and societal engagement
Parliament encouraged both parties to continue working together to promote democratic standards, institutional transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights, particularly the universal application and respect for human rights.
It advocated for the establishment of a civil society forum.
Expressing grave concerns about high rates of femicide and gender-based violence, Members called on both parties to include, within the cooperation framework of the agreement, specific programmes for the prevention of and response to gender-based violence.
On the institutional level, Members stressed the importance of maintaining a pluralistic democratic environment, particularly through a balanced system of political representation and adequate public funding for political parties.
Concerned by the high level of violence in Mexico and the high rates of impunity, Parliament called on Mexican authorities to step up their efforts to combat this phenomenon. It also called on both parties to include clear benchmarks in the agreement regarding the reduction of political violence and the dismantling of the criminal networks behind it. Furthermore, it expressed serious concern about the ongoing crisis of enforced disappearances in Mexico.
Trade and investment
Parliament believes that the agreement will be mutually beneficial and contribute to enhancing long-term economic development, job creation, diversification and sustainability. Under the most ambitious scenario, total EU exports of goods and services could increase by 75 %, while EU companies could save up to EUR 100 million per year in customs duties.
The resolution emphasised, in particular, the significant economic opportunities for EU farmers and agri-food exporters resulting from the removal of the very high Mexican tariffs on products such as cheese, pork, and poultry. The impact of the agreement on sensitive EU sectors, such as those important to coastal and fishing communities and the processing industries that depend on them, will need to be closely monitored.
Parliament welcomed the fact that, under the new agreement, 568 geographical indications for traditional agri-food products will be protected in Mexico. Furthermore, all imports from Mexico must fully comply with EU requirements regarding food safety, animal and plant health, consumer safety, and environmental protection.
The resolution:
- welcomed the new commitments regarding market access in services trade which will open up new business opportunities for companies in the EU and Mexico in sectors such as telecommunications and transport;
- supported the objective of the agreement of ensuring a more secure and diversified supply of critical raw materials essential to the EU's green and digital transition;
- stressed the importance of the parties' commitment to maintaining transparent public procurement procedures;
- welcomed the inclusion of a chapter on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as the provisions on investment protection designed to strengthen investor confidence and ensure predictability and fairness in the regulatory environment;
- welcomed the inclusion of a dedicated protocol on preventing and combating corruption, as well as the creation of a subcommittee on anti-corruption on trade and investment;
- welcomed the inclusion of a dedicated chapter on trade and sustainable development containing ambitious and legally binding commitments.
Parliament regretted the absence, in the agreement, of a specific and comprehensive chapter on energy, given the sector’s strategic importance for competitiveness and energy security.
Lastly, Parliament called on the Commission to ensure effective and transparent monitoring of the implementation of the Agreement, including regular reporting to Parliament on progress in key areas such as legal certainty for investors, the implementation of trade and investment commitments, respect for labour and environmental standards, the rule of law, anti-corruption and security cooperation.