Analysis of the upcoming modernization of the trade pillar of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement

12.2015 - 05.2016

Project description:

In 1997, Mexico was the first Latin American country to complete an Association Agreement with the EU. This Agreement includes trade provisions, establishing a free trade agreement (FTA) that entered into force in October 2000. Further, Mexico is since 2009 a Strategic Partner for the EU. In 2013 EU and Mexico agreed to explore the options for a comprehensive update of the Global Agreement. The Commission is expected to come up with a proposal for a negotiating mandate, early in 2016.

General Objectives of the Project:

In this context, the study aims to answer the following questions:

• Is there a real need for an update of the trade pillar of the Global Agreement?
• If so, in which areas it should be updated? What trade and investment agreement model should be there reference (EU-Canada, EU-Singapore, EU-South Korea, EU-Central America)?
• What are the main expectation and concerns on both the EU and Mexican sides?
• What are the main obstacles that the negotiations may face?

Contracting institution: European Parliament

Leader of the consortium: LSE