<h6><strong>Eduardo González/Ane Barcos</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, welcomed this Wednesday the European Commission's presentation of its proposals for the signing and ratification of the Association Agreement with Mercosur and the modernized Global Agreement with Mexico, which represents "one more step towards their definitive adoption."</strong></h4> "I welcome the European Commission's presentation of the texts of the EU-Mercosur and EU-Mexico agreements. One more step towards their definitive adoption," the minister wrote on social media. "Spain is the driving force of the EU-Latin America relationship and of Europe's commitment to the region," he concluded. The European Commission presented its proposals to the Council this Wednesday for the signing and ratification of the Association Agreement with Mercosur and the modernized Global Agreement with Mexico. With this step, the two treaties, concluded in December 2024 and January 2025, enter the formal political processing phase before entering into force. EU spokesperson Paula Pino had already announced on Tuesday that approval by the College of Commissioners was the "next planned step" following the conclusion of the negotiations. The decision was finally confirmed this Wednesday in Brussels. High Representative Kaja Kallas highlighted the strategic nature of the agreements, stating that "Mercosur will be the EU's largest trade agreement to date, a free trade area serving 700 million consumers." According to the head of European diplomacy, this is "a key pact and a strategic step for Europe's global influence." With Mexico, she stated, "we are revitalizing one of our oldest trade relationships to boost economic growth and competitiveness on both sides." She added that these treaties "go beyond trade. They are an example of the EU's fundamental commitment to building alliances that protect both sides. We are strengthening the EU's global partnerships to increase resilience, defend shared values, and maintain the rules-based international order." For his part, Trade Commissioner Maros Šefčovič highlighted the economic benefits of the agreement with Mercosur, calling it “an important moment not only for EU trade policy, but for our economic future in general.” He explained that the pact will save European companies more than €4 billion annually in tariffs and “is expected to increase EU exports to Mercosur by 39%, equivalent to around €50 billion, and a projected total benefit of €77.6 billion to EU GDP by 2040.” Regarding the agricultural sector's concerns, Šefčovič emphasized that the agreement with Mercosur includes “calibrated quotas, a gradual opening of markets, and strong safeguards” to protect European producers. He added that, in the event of disruptions, “the €6.3 billion Unified Safety Net will be ready to support the European agricultural sector.” Regarding the modernized agreement with Mexico, he emphasized that the country is “our second-largest trading partner in Latin America” and that the treaty “provides better access to critical raw materials, opens up opportunities in public procurement and digital services, and eliminates almost all tariffs on EU agri-food exports.” With the protection of 567 geographical indications and the elimination of approximately €100 million in annual tariffs, the commissioner stated that this agreement “will bring tangible benefits to our rural economies.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the two pacts “important milestones” for the bloc's economic future. “With the agreements with Mercosur and Mexico, Europe is committed to diversification. It means new partnerships, with more opportunities. EU companies and the agri-food sector will benefit from lower tariffs and reduced costs, making them more competitive globally,” he stated. The pact with Mercosur will allow European companies to reduce tariffs that currently reach 35% on automobiles and 14-20% on machinery, and will facilitate access to quality agricultural products. 344 EU geographical indications will be protected, and safeguards will be established to limit sensitive imports of meat and poultry. With Mexico, the agreement will eliminate high tariffs on products such as cheese, pork and poultry, pasta, wine, apples, and chocolate, extending protection to 567 European geographical indications. The two treaties now require the approval of the European Parliament and the Member States. To expedite the process, the Commission is also proposing interim instruments that can enter into force after ratification by the Council and the European Parliament, and will remain in force until the full agreements are ratified by all partners.
