A few weeks ago I organized, for the first time in the European Parliament, a Day of the Dead altar. This emblematic Mexican celebration, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is one of the most beautiful expressions of the soul of Mexico.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyenand that of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsolaparticipated in the inauguration, a sign of the importance that the EU attaches to its relationship with that country.
At that altar, built in Strasbourg, we paid homage not only to those who preceded us, but also to the deep ties that unite Europe and Mexico. It was an act of cultural and parliamentary diplomacy, a way of building bridges based on shared emotion and mutual respect.
A few days later, in Mexico City, I chaired the XXXII Meeting of the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee, a space for dialogue that demonstrates that, in addition to trade agreements, Our alliance is based on shared values: democracy, rule of law, human rights and sustainable development.
However, the optimism that the meeting with Mexico always inspires must be accompanied by realism.
Mexico is experiencing a difficult situation in terms of security and justice. Violence, impunity and corruption continue to be citizens’ main concerns. The recent wave of murders of local authorities or journalists are not isolated cases, but rather symptoms of a structural problem that erodes trust in institutions.
Institutional strength is not built with identity discourses or interested reinterpretations of history. In recent years, we have seen how the Mexican Government has resorted to the rhetoric of the past (even demanding an apology from Spain for events that occurred five centuries ago) to divert attention from its serious management and security deficiencies.
It’s a maneuver as old as it is ineffective: turn history into a smokescreen when the present presses.
And the most worrying thing is that the Spanish Government decided to adhere to this revisionist narrative. Instead of firmly defending our common history, he opted for a complacent following.
Spain cannot allow foreign policy to be guided by complexes or the fear of disruption. Our relationship with Latin America must be based on truth and not resignation.
Europe looks at Mexico with affection and respect, but also with concern. Increasing violence, the weakening of the rule of law and institutional populism are alarming signs.
And Spain, which shares such deep historical and cultural ties with Mexico, should be the first to notice this, and not cover it up for political convenience.
“We defend a sincere and demanding relationship with Latin America, which is not based on rewritten histories, but on real values. True friendship does not consist in applauding or justifying, but in telling the truth even if it is uncomfortable”
From the European People’s Party, we defend a sincere and demanding relationship with Latin America, which is not based on rewritten histories, but on real values: freedom, justice and respect for the law. True friendship is not about applauding or justifying, but about telling the truth, even if it bothers you.
Institutional strength and social trust are not built with symbolic gestures, but with concrete results: protection of communities, reinforcement of the rule of law and effective policies against organized crime.
Europe and Mexico share global challenges (migration, corruption, inequality) which cannot be faced through complacency or an interested reinterpretation of the past. History should help us understand ourselves better and not distract us from current problems.
Bi-regional cooperation will only be solid if it is based on truth, respect and transparency. We are living at a decisive moment before the next signing of the Modernized Global Agreement, which will open a new stage.
It is not just an economic treaty (with exchanges that already exceed 82 billion euros annually), but a comprehensive framework that strengthens cooperation in areas such as energy transition, innovation or cybersecurity.
Without a doubt, we have a promising future together. But to achieve this, we need courageous governments that look to the future, and not in the rear-view mirror of revisionism. And Spain should once again be the clear and proud voice of this truth.
*** Antonio López-Istúriz is an MEP and president of the EU-Mexico Delegation.
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