Mexico and EU Push Sustainability, Social Justice at VI Forum

Mexico and the European Union reiterated their commitment to advancing a green and inclusive transition during the VI Mexico–EU Forum, aimed at strengthening political and economic sustainability cooperation. Organized by the Euroamérica Foundation, the event concluded with remarks from Mexico’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Alicia Bárcena.

Bárcena called for stronger biregional cooperation to promote a “green, inclusive, and just transition” that balances sustainable development, social justice, and environmental protection. She emphasized that under President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico is pursuing a transformation that integrates economic growth with environmental and social equity. “We must build an economy that grows without destroying, one that puts environmental justice, equity, and people’s well-being at the center,” Bárcena said.

The minister highlighted that Plan Mexico aligns with the European Green Deal, focusing on sustainable investment, trade diversification, energy transition, and circular economy initiatives. She pointed to projects such as the Circular Economy Parks in Hidalgo and Quintana Roo, the latter designed to convert sargassum into value-added products with European support. “Through Plan Mexico, we aim to build a competitive portfolio and roadmap that opens opportunities for sustainable investment, energy transition, and nature-based solutions,” she added.

Bárcena also outlined Mexico’s efforts in water governance, including the National Water Plan and the new General Water Law, promoting sustainable and equitable water use. Restoration efforts include cleanup of the Lerma-Santiago, Atoyac, and Tula rivers, reflecting the government’s commitment to environmental justice.

Mexico remains committed to the Paris Agreement, targeting a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and protection of 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by the same year, in line with the global “30x30” goal. “The environmental sector is not a restriction to development, but the path toward better development,” Bárcena said. “We can show the world that sustainability is synonymous with shared prosperity and key to addressing global challenges.”

Her remarks came a week after her keynote at Mexico Climate Week, where she presented Mexico’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). The plan includes a 35% reduction in GHG emissions by 2035, with absolute reduction targets of 564–604 million tCO2e, and an additional 532–569 million tCO2e contingent on international climate financing. Bárcena also highlighted mitigation, adaptation, losses and damages, implementation strategies, and transversal themes.

Looking ahead to COP30 in Belem, Brazil, Bárcena outlined seven priorities: supporting multilateralism and UN processes; aligning with the Paris Agreement; strengthening adaptation; promoting a just transition respecting national circumstances; mobilizing climate finance; facilitating technology transfer to developing nations; and emphasizing indigenous and Afro-descendant perspectives, recognizing their key role in biodiversity conservation. These priorities were agreed upon with 21 regional countries at the Ministerial Meeting of Latin America and the Caribbean for Regional Climate Action in Mexico City, Aug. 25-26.