The European Union and Mexico will soon start talks to modernise the EU-Mexico Global Agreement (in force since 2000), including its trade provisions. The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament welcomed the announcement made today by the European Commission and the Mexican government, because an updated trade agreement will create growth and jobs, and will strengthen the historical ties between the two partners. Last year, trade between Mexico and the EU was worth over €55 billion.
 
S&D spokesperson on trade, David Martin MEP said:
 
"Mexico is an important friend and partner to the EU; strengthening and modernising our economic ties through the upgrade of this agreement could lead to substantial benefits for both parties.
 
"We request that the Commission conduct the negotiations in a transparent manner and that the mandate be made public, as was the case for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Transparency is a crucial aspect of good governance and is an essential part of the Commissioner's new approach to trade. We shall be watching these developments very closely.
 
"The S&D Group is concerned by Mexico's record on labour rights and their refusal to allow experts to conduct a thorough investigation into the mass kidnapping of 43 students in Iguala in 2014. Our group will push for a robust human-rights clause and for binding and enforceable commitments to improve workers' rights to be included in the sustainable development chapter."
 
S&D MEP Sorin Moisa, rapporteur for the modernisation of the trade pillar of the agreement, said:
 
"I welcome this very important opportunity to turn an old and rusty agreement into a modern and innovative instrument, which can establish a new basis for the EU's strategic trade partnership with Mexico.
 
"Modernisation should be comprehensive and include areas that are currently missing from the agreement, notably a chapter on sustainable development and adequate provisions on the fight against corruption."