The 11th High-Level Dialogue between the EU and Mexico took place last week, where senior officials from both sides agreed to continue their cooperation on tackling the interdependent global challenges of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.
Discussions covered carbon pricing, industrial decarbonisation, increased climate ambition through updates of the respective Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of COP30, the transition to a clean and circular economy, the protection of biodiversity and forests, and water resilience.
The two sides also agreed to work together ahead of COP30 to push for increased global climate ambition through more ambitious NDCs to support a sustainable and green transition and combat deforestation and forest degradation.
Participants also explored opportunities for closer cooperation on industrial decarbonisation, climate adaptation, the conservation and restoration of biodiversity, and sustainable use of natural resources in line with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and other international commitments.
Two workshops were also held as part of the dialogue, where experts from both sides shared their priorities and challenges on circular economy and carbon markets, as well as best practices in future cooperation.
As part of the event’s closing ceremony, participants conducted a field visit to the hydrothermal carbonisation plant at Bordo Poniente, where Mexico shared its best circular economy practices, including educational systems for promoting and strengthening waste management policies and investment opportunities.
The representatives also highlighted that under the Global Gateway Investment Agenda (GGIA), Mexico, the EU and its Member States are implementing a wide range of cooperation actions to foster Mexico’s green and inclusive transition. Mexico’s ambitious plans for investment in sustainable infrastructure are a good basis to further strengthen this cooperation
The EU and Mexico are connected by strong economic ties, shared values and a commitment to democracy, environmental protection, climate action, human rights, social justice and the rules-based multilateral global order.
New political terms in the EU and Mexico create opportunities to strengthen cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally. The recent conclusion of negotiations for a Modernised Global Agreement with Mexico at the ministerial level marked a significant development in their bilateral relationship.
During the two days of discussions, both parties ensured that they would continue working closely together to implement their climate change and environmental protection commitments made in international fora, such as the United Nations and the G20.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Forestry Commission, the National Water Commission, the National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change, and the Mexican Institute of Water Technology.
On the European side, representatives from the European Commission, the Delegation of the EU in Mexico, EU member states, and European cooperation agencies participated.
