RELATIONS WITH THE EU
The European Union and Mexico
EU-Mexico relations have developed in a large number of policy areas, especially since the entry into force of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement in 2000, which created a framework for close cooperation. The EU and Mexico share very strong political, economic, cultural and human ties and we are working together for an even closer and mutually beneficial partnership.
Political Relations
Global Agreement and Strategic Partnership
Mexico is a bridge between North and South America and, to a certain degree, between industrialised and emerging countries. Due to its unique geographic location, Mexico and the European Union work together to face common challenges such as security, migration and the promotion of human rights.
The EU and Mexico have long-standing historical and cultural ties. They share 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 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 Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement (Global Agreement), which came into force in 2000.
The Global Agreement established regular political dialogue between the European Union and Mexico.
The Strategic Association
The 2008 Strategic Association further strengthened bilateral relations. The Strategic Association comprises establishes four thematic areas: politics, security, the environment and socioeconomic matters.
Trade Relations and Investments
Evolution of trade relations since 2000
Trade relations between the EU and Mexico are governed by the 1997 Global Agreement, and its successive separate trade decisions (hereafter referred to as “the FTA”), which entered into force in 2000 for trade in goods and 2001 for trade in services. It liberalised trade in all industrial goods and most of the agricultural ones, and improved market access conditions to either market for Mexican and European exporters.
By 2020, bilateral trade had more than tripled in the 20 years since the Global Agreement entered into force, which makes the EU Mexico's third-largest trading partner. The flows of goods and services between both economies are worth almost 60 billion euro. These trade links are backed up by a robust and growing investment relationship. European companies have long been significant investors in Mexico's economy; whether it be in the industrial, agri-food, or services sectors (with particular mention of the automotive industry and the financial services). In 2021, the European Union remained the second largest net investor in Mexico with 6.9 billion EUR (24,6% of total net FDI) only after the United States.
In 2016, the EU and Mexico initiated negotiations to modernise the EU-Mexico Global Agreement in order to better embrace the economic and political challenges of the 21st century. Both parties reached an agreement in principle in 2018 and finalised the negotiations in April 2020.
The modernised Agreement will:
- Not only eliminate practically all tariffs on the remaining agricultural products which were not liberalised under the current Agreement;
- Simplify customs procedures;
- Lay down progressive rules on sustainable development;
- Tackle corruption in the private and public sectors;
- Widen access to public procurement markets,
- Provide an ambitious, high level of protection of intellectual property rights;
- Open up trade in services (ex. financial services, transport, e-commerce, and telecommunications);
- Improve investment conditions, to name but a few.
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EU-Mexico Trade Evolution Chart.
Copyright: European Commission
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Access2Markets, your EU Gateway to trade information for exporters and importers.
Copyright: EUDelegation
Trade
How to export to or import from the EU
The European Union is Mexico's third-largest trading partner, and Mexico is the EU's fourteenth largest trading partner. Trade flows and investments have tripled since the entry into force of the current Agreement.
Like most countries around the world, the global pandemic disrupted trade flows between Mexico and the EU, which totalled 51 bn EUR in 2020 and dropped 17.6% year-on-year. Mexico attracted 6.6 bn EUR worth of EU FDI in 2020 and accumulated stocks from 1999 to 2021 amount 177.3 billion EUR.
Trade at a glance for 2020:
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Total trade in goods between the EU and Mexico: |
51.1 bn EUR |
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Mexican exports of goods to the EU: |
15.9 bn EUR |
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Mexican imports of goods from the EU: |
35.2 bn EUR |
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EU FDI in Mexico in 2020: |
8.2 bn EUR |
Do you want to export to or import from the EU?
Get to know Access2Markets, the new portal for exporters and importers around the world, where you can find detailed information on all tariffs, customs procedures and formalities, product requirements for the both markets, for each product – including any special conditions granted under trade agreements.
Culture
Strong Cultural Ties
The EU and Mexico have an extensive bilateral relationship that includes the cultural sphere. Cooperation, exchange and dialogue initiatives are essential tools to strengthen the cultural relations between both regions.
Culture is the realm used to uphold the concept of Europe; European art, literature and music are the results of the diversity and commitment to interculturalism.
Multiculturalism is a characteristic that represents the EU and is reflected through various forms of artistic expression. Each European country has its own cultural identity, which is expressed by renowned artists.
The Eurojazz Festival, which is held in March at the National Arts Center (CENART) in Mexico City, reflects European cultural diversity in Mexico. Groups from EU countries present musical fusions and the latest jazz trends.
The European Literature Festival, held during the Guadalajara International Book Fair (better known as the FIL), 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.
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Eurojazz Festival
Copyright: EUDelegation -
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European Literature Festival.
Copyright: EUDelegation
Science and Technology
Horizon Europe 2021-2027
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of €95.5 billion.
It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth.
The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. It supports creating and better dispersing of excellent knowledge and technologies.
It creates jobs, fully engages the EU’s talent pool, boosts economic growth, promotes industrial competitiveness and optimises investment impact within a strengthened European Research Area.
Legal entities from the EU and associated countries can participate.
Mexico has a bilateral science and technology (S&T) agreement with the EU.
Find more information here.
EURAXESS
EURAXESS - Researchers in Motion is a unique pan-European initiative delivering information and support services to professional researchers. Backed by the European Union, member states and associated countries, it supports researcher mobility and career development, while enhancing scientific collaboration between Europe and the world.
EURAXESS is also your gateway to Science4Refugees, a Commission's initiative helping refugee researchers find suitable jobs in today's challenging research landscape. Part of the initiative, is the Science4Refugees Research Buddies, supporting refugee scientists in finding European researchers to discuss problems, find solutions and study together, by matching their research field, scientific studies and interests.
Find more information here.