The European Union and Bénin are taking their partnership to the next level, focusing on economic growth, security, and sustainable development. On 24 June 2026, 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 its bilateral relationship with Bénin, highlighting the strong foundation built on mutual trust, predictability, and long-term economic investments.

Both sides share common goals: eradicating poverty, fostering inclusive and sustainable development, and ensuring peace and stability in West Africa. They aim to turn this shared vision into tangible opportunities. At the meeting, the two leaders expressed their desire to deepen the partnership and speed up cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy.

President von der Leyen stated: ‘Bénin is a key partner for the European Union in West Africa. This relationship is built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to improving quality of life for everyone. That is the very essence of our Global Gateway strategy. Together in Bénin, we are investing in transport and energy infrastructure, skills development, and access to finance to create opportunities and build a sustainable future. The best is yet to come!’

During the meeting, three cooperation priorities were outlined:

• Economic transformation and innovation – to support growth, industrialisation, and job creation, focusing on economic corridors around the Port of Cotonou, local agricultural value chain transformation, and vocational training for youth.
• Territorial development and security in northern Bénin – to strengthen local community resilience, stability, and economic development. New actions will complement existing EU investments in local infrastructure, basic services, economic opportunities for border communities, and prevention of violent extremism in the northern departments.
• Sustainable finance – to mobilise more private investment for sustainable infrastructure through the EU’s Global Green Bond Initiative, facilitating green projects in renewable energy, sustainable transport, and agriculture by issuing green bonds.

The two leaders also reviewed ongoing cooperation, particularly progress under the Global Green Bond Initiative, which aims to mobilise up to €20 billion in private capital for sustainable infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries. Bénin is among the best-positioned nations to benefit from this instrument.

President von der Leyen also reiterated the EU’s commitment to continue supporting northern Bénin’s development. With the strengthened partnership, the EU is determined to help Bénin realise its ambition to become a regional hub for sustainable growth, connectivity, and investment, benefiting all its citizens.