President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, participated in the EU-Mexico Summit in Mexico City on 22 May 2026, alongside Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and President of the European Council António Costa. Describing it as a summit of "historic importance," President von der Leyen stressed that the summit delivered a sweeping upgrade of the EU-Mexico relationship, built on two modernised agreements and a major new investment agenda, emphasising that the partnership demonstrates shared values of human rights, gender equality and a commitment to a fair and stable multilateral order.
At the heart of the summit was the modernised Global Agreement. It builds upon the original framework signed in 1997, one of the most ambitious that Europe had concluded at the time. President von der Leyen emphasised that the upgraded text goes far beyond its predecessor: "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." She paid tribute to Commissioner Šefčovič and Mexican Minister Ebrard for their tireless work steering the negotiations to a successful conclusion.
On trade, the summit delivered landmark commitments to create more jobs and greater value on both sides. With speedy ratification, nearly all tariffs on Mexican agri-food exports to Europe will be eliminated. This could save EU exporters up to EUR 100 million annually. More than 11,000 European companies have offices in Mexico and already support over five million local jobs. These companies will find it easier to invest, access services, and secure public contracts. The agreement extends to new areas, including digital trade and procurement. It also protects 568 EU geographical indications and key Mexican products, such as Tequila and Tabasco cocoa. "The goal here is simple," the President said. "We want to create even more jobs and value on both sides."
Complementing the trade commitments, President von der Leyen announced an investment agenda under Global Gateway, Europe's global investment strategy, mobilising EUR 5 billion 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," she said. Strategic sectors such as pharmaceuticals, digital networks, and the circular economy are also in scope. The agenda, fully aligned with President Sheinbaum's Plan México, is designed to be dynamic and evolve over time, with new dialogues on energy, health and digital launched alongside it. Speaking at the meeting with the business delegation at the summit, President von der Leyen was direct in her message to investors: "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."
In addition, the summit saw the unveiling of a new High-Level Dialogue on security and migration, with President von der Leyen describing these issues as "both pressing and complex" both in Europe and Latin America.
The summit also put gender equality front and centre. The adoption of a Joint Declaration on Trade and Gender Equality ensured that the modernised agreement benefits women and men equally. Six new projects worth EUR 4 million were agreed upon to address violence against women and girls in Mexico — reflecting the broader commitment shared by both sides to women's rights and empowerment. This commitment was close to President von der Leyen's heart. On the eve of the summit, she had met 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," she said, adding that their communities have preserved knowledge, culture and dignity throughout generations.
Closing the summit, President von der Leyen reflected on the deep cultural ties between Europe and Mexico. She called to mind the thousands of Europeans who found refuge there during the wars of the last century and honoured the legacies of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. "Today, I believe we have honoured that rich heritage. By taking our partnership to a whole new level," she concluded.
