Mexico’s Congress on Thursday approved changes to the country’s oil sector designed to halt rapidly falling production and ensure Mexico’s oil self-sufficiency in the medium term.

The changes, which follow seven months of fierce debate and must now be approved by Congress’s lower house, will give greater financial autonomy and more decision-making flexibility to Pemex, the country’s state oil monopoly. The company’s 11-person board of directors will also gain four independent members, potentially improving transparency and corporate governance.