Statement by President von der Leyen at the press conference following the EU-Mexico Summit

President Sheinbaum,

Dear Claudia,

Yesterday, I had the privilege of sharing a deeply enriching exchange with a group of Indigenous women at the Museum of Anthropology. Their wisdom, strength, and leadership are a powerful reminder of the richness and resilience of the Mexican Indigenous peoples. They presented me with this beautiful rebozo. And it is an honour for me to wear on this historic occasion. Their communities have preserved knowledge, culture, and dignity across generations. Our responsibility is to listen, to stand alongside them with humility, and to support them. Strengthening gender equality is one of the many values shared by the EU and Mexico. Today we adopted a Joint Declaration on Trade and Gender Equality. So that our modernized agreement benefits women and men equally. And we launched 6 new projects worth 4 million euro, this is 80 million pesos. They all aim to fight violence against women and girls in Mexico and provide them with the support they need.

Our Global Agreement, signed in 1997, was among the most ambitious Europe had ever concluded. The agreement was truly “global” from the outset, as it brought together political dialogue, cooperation, trade, and investment. And today, we upgraded this broad platform, I want to thank Commissioner Šefčovič and Minister Ebrard for their tireless work and skilful steer. We strengthened it, in line with our values. Our joint priorities. And the challenges we share as partners in this world. Our Modernised Agreement deepens our cooperation on human rights. It reaffirms our commitment to multilateralism, peace and global stability. It also anchors our common dedication to equality. Fairness. The empowerment of our people. It reflects our engagements under the Paris Climate Agreement. And for the protection of our planet. In sum, this Agreement reflects who we are as partners. Ambitious, reliable, forward-looking. And ever committed to delivering for our people.

This brings me to our trade commitments. The goal here is simple. We want to create even more jobs and value on both sides. With swift ratification, tariffs on virtually all Mexican agri-food exports to Europe will disappear. Imagine the opportunities. European companies, drawn by Mexico's talent and dynamism, already support more than five million jobs here. And there is much more to come. Mexican small and medium-sized producers will benefit greatly. Because this agreement promotes sustainable practices. And it protects iconic Mexican geographical indications, from Tabasco's cocoa to Tequila. The modernised agreement now expands into areas that the original text never anticipated. From digital trade to public procurement. For Europe, the deal will make it easier for companies to invest, provide services, and compete for public contracts in Mexico.

Of course, I also have a message for Europe's farmers. Mexico is a vast market for agri-food products. This agreement opens new opportunities for you. By removing tariffs, it can save EU agri-food exporters up to EUR 100 million per year. At the same time, Europe's health, Environment, and food standards remain fully protected. Finally, the agreement safeguards 568 EU geographical indications. From Gouda to Feta. From Prosciutto di Parma to Tiroler Speck.

Dear Claudia,

Today we give our agreement its big wings to fly by backing it with its own investment plan. An agenda that is fully aligned with your own Plan México. Global Gateway, Europe's investment strategy for the world, is mobilising 5 billion EUR (more than 100 billion pesos) in Mexico. It powers the clean energy transition, with 13 new solar and wind power generation projects. And clean mobility projects – among them, new cable cars for Mexico City. We are also investing in big strategic sectors. The pharmaceutical industry. Digital networks. And the circular economy – with our flagship project on tackling sargassum. This Global Gateway agenda is dynamic and designed to evolve. This is why we are launching today new dialogues on energy, health and digital.

Finally, I want to mention our new High-Level Dialogue on security and migration. In Europe and Latin America, these issues are both pressing and complex. This dialogue will allow us to address them comprehensively. From strengthening law enforcement cooperation, to tackling their root causes.

Let me conclude,

The EU-Mexico relationship has always been vibrant and dynamic. It is rooted not only in shared interests, but also in a shared culture. Thousands of Europeans found safe haven here, during the wars that ravaged our continent in the last century. And I am thinking of the legacy of artists such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, who drew inspiration from their European experience. Their spirit, in many ways, accompanied us throughout this visit. Of course, we share a common passion for football. That is undeniable. And European football supporters are greatly looking forward to the World Cup, which you co-host. Today, I believe we have honoured that rich heritage. By taking our partnership to a whole new level.

Thank you very much.