The European Union (EU) has announced a funding package of 55 million pesos (approximately €2.9 million) to support five projects in Mexico focused on preventing gender-based violence and improving access to justice for women and girls. The initiative was unveiled during a visit by Kajsa Ollongren, the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights, underscoring the bloc’s growing engagement with human rights challenges in Mexico.
During her visit to Zacatecas, Ollongren met with state authorities and civil society representatives, including families of missing persons. She acknowledged the efforts made by local institutions in addressing disappearances and emphasized the importance of coordinated action between government agencies and non-governmental organizations. The projects will include institutional capacity-building, victim support services, and initiatives to strengthen civil society participation.
According to EU officials, the funding will support programs that aim to prevent sexual violence, trafficking, and exploitation, while also enhancing victims’ access to justice. The projects will incorporate new technologies, political advocacy, and prevention networks to create safer institutional environments for women. Particular attention is being given to states such as Coahuila and Durango, where technical forensic assistance will be provided to aid in the identification of missing persons.
The success of these projects will depend not only on financial resources but also on long-term commitment from Mexican authorities.
Francisco André, the EU ambassador to Mexico, highlighted that these efforts are part of a broader strategy that includes support for journalists and migrant protection. He noted that while the scale of gender violence and disappearances in Mexico is daunting, sustained investment and political will can yield meaningful progress.
The EU’s engagement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Mexico’s ability to address gender-based violence effectively. Despite legal reforms and public commitments, implementation gaps persist at state and municipal levels. Structural weaknesses in justice and security institutions have often limited the impact of previous interventions.
Still, EU representatives expressed cautious optimism. They stressed that while the challenges are significant, targeted international cooperation can help catalyze institutional change. The success of these projects will depend not only on financial resources but also on long-term commitment from Mexican authorities at all levels.
