The European Union and Bénin are strengthening their cooperation across economic development, security, and sustainability. On 24 June 2026 in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Bénin’s President Romuald Wadagni. During the talks, von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to bilateral ties, highlighting a partnership built on mutual trust, predictability, and long-term investment.
Both sides share common goals: eradicating poverty, fostering inclusive and sustainable development, and ensuring peace and stability in West Africa. They also aim to turn this joint vision into concrete opportunities. The two leaders expressed a shared desire to deepen their partnership and accelerate cooperation under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.
“Bénin is a key partner for the European Union in West Africa. This relationship is founded on mutual trust and a shared will to improve quality of life for everyone. That is the essence of our Global Gateway strategy,” said von der Leyen. “Together, in Bénin, we are investing in transport and energy infrastructure, skills development, and access to finance, creating opportunities and building a sustainable future. The best is yet to come!”
Three priority areas for cooperation were presented during the meeting:
– Economic transformation and innovation to support growth, industrialisation, and job creation. This includes developing economic corridors around the port of Cotonou, supporting local agricultural value chain transformation, and boosting vocational training and skills for young people.
– Territorial development and security in northern Bénin, aimed at strengthening local community resilience, regional stability, and economic progress. New actions will complement existing EU investments in local infrastructure, access to basic services, economic opportunities for border communities, and initiatives to prevent violent extremism in the northern departments.
– Sustainable finance to mobilise more private investment for sustainable infrastructure through the EU-led Global Green Bond Initiative. This effort seeks to fund green projects in renewable energy, sustainable transport, and agriculture by channelling private capital via green bond issuances.
The leaders also reviewed ongoing cooperation, noting progress under the Global Green Bond Initiative, which aims to unlock up to €20 billion in private capital for sustainable infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries. Bénin is well positioned to benefit from this instrument.
President von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s continued support for northern Bénin’s development. With this strengthened partnership, the EU is determined to help Bénin achieve its ambition of becoming a regional hub for sustainable growth, connectivity, and investment, benefiting all its citizens.
