EU updates economic treaty with Mexico
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism
From our correspondent Beda Romano
BRUSSELS - Once again in just a few months, the European Union lands in the backyard of the United States. EU leaders signed an update to the economic treaty linking the EU and Mexico today, Friday 22 May. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism at a time when the Trump administration is increasingly pursuing choices that are as unilateral as they are controversial. The conclusion of the new agreement comes less than six months after the signing of the agreement with the Mercosur.
"The updated trade agreement will promote increasingly reliable supply chains, create new opportunities for businesses and investors, and bring our economies even closer together. I particularly welcome our enhanced cooperation in the area of critical minerals, as Mexico is a leading supplier of several essential raw materials," Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said in a statement.
The exchange of goods with the EU
The bilateral agreement with Mexico dates back to 1997 (it came into force between 2000 and 2001). According to the International Monetary Fund, Mexico is the 13th largest market in the world (population over 130 million). In 2025, the interchange of goods with the EU amounted to EUR 87 billion. The previous year, the trade in services amounted to EUR 30 billion. The EU enjoys a budget surplus in both sectors.
On the European side, according to the European Commission, the aim of the new trade treaty with the Central American country is to promote the purchase of Mexican raw materials; to open up public procurement in the country to EU companies; to reduce barriers in e-commerce; and to strengthen intellectual rights protection rules. The new agreement will require Mexico to protect 232 European spirits and 336 other geographical indications.
A particular political value
The agreement also includes a European commitment to promote gender equality in Mexico (Brussels has launched a project worth four million pesos - 200,000 euros - to support the development of indigenous women). Concretely, the updating of the 1997 treaty will result in the drafting of two texts. The first with a broader scope will require national ratification by the member countries. The second, focused on trade, will only require approval by the Council and Parliament.
