The European Union and Bénin are strengthening their cooperation in economic, security, and sustainability areas. On 24 June 2026 in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Bénin President Romuald Wadagni. During the talks, von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to its bilateral relationship with Bénin, highlighting a partnership built on mutual trust, predictability, and long-term economic investments.

Both sides share objectives including poverty eradication, inclusive sustainable development, and peace and stability in West Africa. They aim to turn this joint vision into concrete opportunities. The leaders expressed their desire to deepen the partnership and accelerate cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy.

Von der Leyen stated: “Bénin is a key partner for the European Union in West Africa. This relationship is founded on mutual trust and a shared commitment to improving quality of life. That is the 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, industrialization, and job creation, including development of economic corridors around the Port of Cotonou, support for local agricultural value chain processing, and enhanced vocational training for youth.
• Territorial development and security in northern Bénin to strengthen community resilience, regional stability, and economic development. New actions will complement existing EU investments in local infrastructure, basic services, economic opportunities for border communities, and violent extremism prevention initiatives in the northern departments.
• Sustainable finance to mobilize more private investment for sustainable infrastructure through the EU’s Global Green Bond Initiative, which aims to facilitate green project financing 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 targeting up to 20 billion euros in private capital for sustainable infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries. Bénin is well-positioned to benefit from this instrument.

Von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting northern Bénin’s development. With an enhanced partnership, the EU is determined to accompany Bénin in its ambition to become a regional hub for sustainable growth, connectivity, and investment, benefiting all its people.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst