Delegation of the European Union to Mexico

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Mexico and the EU

12/05/2016 - 14:50
EU relations with Country

Political, trade and cooperation relations between the European Union (EU) and Mexico are governed by the 1997 Global Agreement. Mexico has been a strategic partner of the EU since 2008.

Political relations

Mexico is a bridge between South and North America and, to a certain degree, between industrialised and emerging countries. Because of its unique geographical situation, Mexico and the European Union work together to face common challenges such as security and the promotion of human rights.

The EU has historical and cultural ties with Mexico and shares fundamental values, such as democracy and respect for the rule of law.

The gradual strengthening of bilateral relations between the EU and Mexico in accordance with the guidelines of the Global Agreement led to the establishment of closer political ties. That was how the Strategic Association was established.

The Global Agreement

Bilateral relations between the European Union and Mexico are governed by the 1997 Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement (Global Agreement), which came into force in 2000.

The Global Agreement was used to establish regular political dialogue between the European Union and Mexico.

The Strategic Association

The 2008 Strategic Association improved EU-Mexico international coordination and strengthened bilateral relations. The agreement establishes four thematic areas: politics, security, the environment and socioeconomic matters.

Economic relations

Economic relations between the EU and Mexico have become stronger since the 1997 Global Agreement. That was when both parties made a commitment to establish measures to support economic development, considering their mutual interests.

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) marked one of the key moments in the EU's economic relations with Mexico. Since it came into force, the average yearly investment flow from the EU has tripled.

In addition, major investments have been made in the Mexican financial sector, as shown by the fact that three of the five largest Banks in Mexico are European (BBVA Bancomer, Santander Serfin and HSBC) and there have also been major investments in the agri-food sector.

Trade

The European Union is Mexico's third largest trading partner and Mexico is the EU's fourteenth largest trading partner.

Trade relations between the EU and Mexico are governed by the 2000 Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA is a preferential agreement that has liberalised trade in all industrial goods (and most agricultural goods) and improved market access conditions for Mexican and European exporters.

Thanks to the FTA, Mexico has improved its position as an exporter, increasing its competitiveness, thanks not only to diversification in the trade of goods, but also to the liberalisation of trade in services.

The European Union and Mexico in April 2018 reached a new agreement on trade, part of a broader, modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement. Practically all trade in goods between the EU and Mexico will now be duty-free, including in the agricultural sector.

 

Culture

Currently, the European Union and Mexico enjoy a rich bilateral relationship, which in recent years has produced impressive achievements and results. The EU has strong historical and cultural ties with Mexico.

In a cultural context, cooperation, exchange and dialogue initiatives are essential tools that are used to strengthen existing relations between both regions.

Culture is the realm used to uphold the concept of Europe; its ties, links, shared paths, as well as art, literature and music are the result of the diversity of the European Union, and the EU is a great example of a true commitment to interculturality.

Multiculturalism is a characteristic that represents the European Union and is reflected through various artistic expressions. Both European Union countries and all of their regions have a valuable, united tradition. Each European country has its own cultural identity, which has been expressed over the years by renowned artists.

European cultural diversity in Mexico is reflected through the Eurojazz Festival held in March at the CENART arts centre. Groups from fourteen EU countries present young talents who showcase musical fusions and the latest jazz trends. Another example is the European Literature Festival, held during the Guadalajara International Book Fair (better known by its Spanish initials FIL), which is a literary event attended by various European authors from a range of literary movements and genres. This event demonstrates that multiculturalism is a characteristic that enables harmonious coexistence within the European Union.

Science and technology

Mexico in Horizon 2020

Support from CONACYT for Mexican entities that participate in Horizon 2020.

The National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico (CONACYT) launched the CONACYT-H2020 call that invites public and private Mexican institutions to register pre-proposals to form part of European consortiums, in accordance with the call requirements published by the EC within the framework of the H2020 programme.

The objective of the CONACYT-H2020 call is to register the participation of Mexican entities in the EC’s H2020 programme that are interested in receiving additional support from CONACYT, through the registration of a pre-proposal in the CONACYT funding system. Pre-proposals that are registered and then accepted by the EC will be assessed by CONACYT in accordance with the requirements and guidelines of the call and its terms of reference.

Participants must fulfil the following requirements:

  • The entity making the proposal must be validly registered in the National Register of Scientific and Technological Research Institutions (RENIECYT).
  • The entity making the proposal must register its pre-proposal in the CONACYT funding system before the closing date of the call as defined by the EC.
  • The European proposal presented in the H2020 must be accepted by the EC. Once selected, the entity making the proposal must send a full copy of the proposal in electronic format to CONACYT for its assessment.
  • The participation of a Mexican entity in the European project must be as a partner and will be assessed by a panel of experts within the framework of CONACYT’s assessment procedure.

Registration of pre-proposals must be made through the CONACYT funding system in Spanish. CONACYT will only fund up to 85 % of the total amount of the approved proposal in the case of public entities (higher education institutions (HEIs), technological and research centres) and private HEIs, and up to 70 % of the total amount in the case of private entities, except HEIs. The remaining amount must be provided by the Mexican entity. The same percentages apply in the case of natural persons affiliated with entities, according to the nature of the entity.

The total amount approved for the execution of the project will be determined by CONACYT, based on the following criteria:

  • Recommendations of the Assessment Committee
  • Availability of resources

For more information, please visit:

http://www.conacyt.gob.mx/index.php/el-conacyt/convocatorias-y-resultados-conacyt/convocatoria-conacyt-horizon2020

If you have any questions or comments, please write to h2020@conacyt.mx.

Documents

Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the United Mexican States, of the other part - Final Act - Declarations
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