The revamped EU-Mexico partnership cleared the European Parliament on Wednesday, with MEPs welcoming the gains for the agri-food sector while lamenting the absence of a dedicated energy chapter.

MEPs gave their consent to the conclusion of the agreement, allowing the Council to formally conclude the deal, with 479 votes in favour, 119 against and 65 abstentions. They also approved a report setting out Parliament’s main positions on the agreement.

The comfortable majority contrasted with January’s vote referring the EU-Mercosur agreement to the European Court of Justice.

Unlike agricultural powerhouses Brazil and Argentina, Mexico is a net importer of EU food products, and the agreement will lower steep tariffs on even more goods, including cheese, pork and poultry.

After the vote, Parliament’s lead rapporteur, Spanish MEP Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP), said the agreement had proved less controversial because the EU’s and Mexico’s agricultural sectors are complementary.

“That is why this agreement has been much easier to approve,” he said at a press conference, adding that the EU institutions had failed to explain the benefits of the Mercosur deal properly. “There have been enormous prejudices surrounding Mercosur.”

MEPs nevertheless warned that the EU should remain vigilant regarding sensitive products, notably fisheries and the canned tuna processing industry.

They also expressed regret over the absence of a dedicated energy chapter following the nationalisation of Mexico’s electricity market in 2025, which gives priority to the state-owned company.

While welcoming the agreement’s legally binding commitments on sustainability and labour rights, MEPs called for the Paris Agreement to become an essential element of the treaty through a revision to be concluded within 12 months of its entry into force.

The Parliament’s resolution also highlights Mexico’s continuing challenges with organised crime, the rule of law and human rights, noting persistently high levels of violence, as well as attacks against journalists and high rates of femicide. MEPs also pointed to recent constitutional reforms, including the election of judges by popular vote, saying these have raised concerns about judicial independence.

Despite those caveats, Giménez Larraz described the vote as “a day for celebration”, arguing that the agreement would help the EU strengthen its presence in Latin America. He said diversifying trade partnerships had become “an obligation” for the EU.

EU ambassadors are expected to endorse the agreement on Friday, before ministers give their final approval at the General Affairs Council on 14 July.

(adm, aw)