Remarks by President von der Leyen at the meeting with the business delegation at the EU-Mexico summit

Opening remarks

President Sheinbaum,

President Costa,

Dear business leaders from Mexico and Europe,

Thank you for joining us today. I look forward to hearing your perspectives and insights with us. But before you do that, I highlight how we – Leaders and governments – are working together to support your work, and your investment in this relationship. Later today, President Sheinbaum and I will sign a modernised Global Agreement. We are removing the remaining barriers to trade. We are facilitating investment. And we are making it easier than ever for businesses in Mexico and Europe to grow together.

Let me focus on the three main novelties. First, on investment. We have just announced 5 billion EUR in investments in Mexico, directly supported by our Global Gateway investment plan. The strength of this package lies both in its alignment with Plan México and in cooperation with the private sector. Our focus is to create the conditions for you to step up your investment – and it is encouraging to see that this momentum is already translating into substantial newly announced investments by EU companies. For instance, we are investing in clean energy and electricity lines – because this is the essential infrastructure to power up your businesses. We are supporting Mexican and European ports to decarbonise together – because this will foster clean trade between us. And when European pharma companies told us they wanted to invest here – we joined forces with Mexico to harmonise our rules. The benefits on both sides are clear. Local jobs and technology transfers for Mexicans, and stronger supply chains for both of us.

Second, on trade. Since our Global Agreement has entered into force 25 years ago, trade between Mexico and Europe has already quadrupled. For European business, Mexico is an important gateway to the entire Western Hemisphere. Now we are removing almost all barriers that still stand between us. For instance, you will be able to trade critical raw materials with no restrictions or tariffs. Mexico is one of the top global exporters of fluorite, copper and zinc. That is, essential minerals for electrification and the clean transition. This means greater integration between our industrial value chains, at no additional cost. We are building new bridges with one of our most trusted partners.

This leads to my third and final point. We are creating a level playing field for Mexican companies operating in Europe and vice-versa. For instance, Mexico's services sector is already important on the European market and is growing fast. Now we will open doors for Mexican companies in sectors such as telecom, financial services, transport, digital trade. Likewise, European companies will now be able to participate in Mexico's public procurement. Not only at the national level, but also at state (regional) level. No other partner enjoys that kind of access in Mexico. Because we trust each other. And we are turning trust into opportunity for Mexican and European companies alike. So our message to business is clear. This is the moment to invest in our partnership. If you are looking for predictability. If you are looking for a compelling business case. If you are looking for open markets in these volatile times. The modernised Global Agreement will give you just that. And with that, I look forward to hearing how we can build on that further, together.

Thank you.

Concluding remarks

Thanks to all of you for your valuable insights and suggestions.

What we have just heard proves a simple fact. The ties between Mexico and Europe already run deep. But we are ready to bring this partnership to the next level. The business case for investing in each other is clear. Listening to all of you, three messages come out clearly that I take with me.

The first: Mexico is, in your words, a land of opportunity. Our task – yours and ours together – is to keep it that way. That means predictability. It means fairness. It means clear and stable rules, not least in matters of taxation.

The second: today we will be shaping the future of our economies. From Artificial intelligence to renewables and clean technology. These are not distant horizons – they are the work in front of us.

And the third: our economies fit together. They are complementary by nature, and that is a foundation we should build on with ambition. From Critical Raw Materials to delicious food and drinks: we need each other and benefit from our cooperation.

For 25 years, Mexico and Europe have built a trusted economic relationship. But the best times of our partnership are yet to come. Let us deliver on the promises of this partnership in the years to come.

Thank you.