Towards an EU-Mexico strategic partnership

The European Union (EU) and Mexico share common values and interests. In this context, the partners are developing a strategic alliance in order to increase their influence globally, through developing joint policy positions and cooperation measures.

ACT

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 15 July 2008 - Towards an EU-Mexico Strategic Partnership Communication [COM(2008) 447 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

SUMMARY

The European Union (EU) and Mexico plan to establish a strategic partnership in order to extend the scope of their cooperation and political relationship. The two partners wish to improve their coordination on issues of common interest which have both a regional and global dimension.

Relations between the EU and Mexico are based on an agreement called the “Global Agreement”, which covers political dialogue, trade, cooperation and sectoral policies.

Political dialogue on two levels

Firstly, the new strategic framework lends additional impetus to political bilateral relations in the economic, social, human rights, security, environment, culture, education and also trade, competition, civil aviation and investment sectors.

Secondly, political dialogue is used in the context of multilateral relations, particularly within international organisations. The EU and Mexico may encourage exchanges between experts and policy-makers with a view to creating strategic alliances in the following areas:

• political, concerning the rule of law, human rights, cultural dialogue and regional integration;
• socioeconomic, concerning development policy, investment, innovation, intellectual property rights, social policy, migration, good governance in the area of tax, energy security and transport;
• security, relating to the fight against terrorism, organised crime, drug and human trafficking;
• environment, relating to climate change and natural disasters.

Bilateral discussions are taking place within institutional structures provided for by the global agreement (summits, joint councils and committees), and through thematic political dialogues (human rights, the environment, security, social cohesion, etc.).

Context

Over the last two decades, Mexico has experienced significant socio-economic modernisation. Its economic competitiveness has increased and the country has become attractive to foreign investors, despite worsening security conditions.

Mexico can and should play an increasingly significant role globally, particularly as a cultural, political and regional gateway to South America, and also as a link between the industrialised countries and the emerging countries.

Last updated: 04.04.2011