EU-Mexico deal opens doors for 45,000 European companies

Europe is choosing partnership over protectionism, and today’s approval of the modernised EU-Mexico trade deal is tangible proof of this. The deal opens up prospects for 45,000 European businesses and reinforces Europe’s position in an increasingly competitive global economy, stress EPP Group MEPs. 

Welcoming the vote, Borja Giménez Larraz MEP, who negotiated the deal on behalf of the European Parliament, said: "The EU-Mexico Agreement is more than a trade deal; it is a statement of confidence in an open, rules-based world. It opens new opportunities for over 45,000 European businesses - 80% of which are small and medium enterprises - strengthens resilient supply chains, and demonstrates that free and rules-based trade remains Europe's greatest strength. The more Europe trades, the freer the European Union becomes."

The vote marks a new chapter in a relationship built over 25 years. The deal gives European companies improved access to the Mexican market, greater predictability, and a stronger foundation for investment and growth, precisely at a time when supply chains are being reshaped. It also creates new possibilities for exporters and investors as the EU and Mexico together represent a market of more than 580 million consumers. 

At the same time, the EPP Group underlines that deeper economic relations must be accompanied by an open and constructive dialogue on democratic standards, shared principles and the rule of law.

"The EU-Mexico Agreement is much more than a trade deal: it is a strategic choice. In an increasingly fragmented international context, strengthening the partnership with a key partner in Latin America allows the EU to gain weight, influence and capacity to act, while opening new opportunities for European companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises, through clearer rules, greater predictability and better market access," said Ana Miguel Pedro MEP, who negotiated on behalf of the EPP Group the political part of the Mexico agreement in Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. "But supporting this agreement does not mean ignoring the reality on the ground. Mexico faces deep challenges when it comes to the rule of law, security, human rights, press freedom, corruption, impunity and judicial independence. That is why this agreement must be accompanied by clear and verifiable commitments. Europe should not have to choose between interests and values: it must have the political strength to defend both,"  Pedro added.