During his mission to Mauritania, the European Union’s Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela signed a budget agreement with Minister of Economy and Finance and handed over EU-distributed security equipment. He also met with the President of the country, the Prime Minister and three other members of the government. During these meetings, Commissioner Síkela focused on further development within the Global Gateway strategy, specifically enhancing Mauritania’s economic resilience, infrastructure, and security which align with Europe’s strategic objectives for energy diversification, sustainable development, and security.
“I knew very well why I chose Mauritania for my first official mission as Commissioner for International Partnerships. It is a reliable partner, and we work together on many important projects that focus on the economic development and stability of Mauritania, while also creating new opportunities for European companies. It is what the Global Gateway strategy is about.”, said Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela during his mission.
During the visit, the Commissioner met President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay, and key ministers responsible for Mauritania’s economy, energy, interior, and foreign affairs. At a meeting with the Minister of Economy and Finance, Commissioner Síkela signed an agreement for €100 million budget support as part of a broader €210 million package aimed at strengthening Mauritania’s green energy initiatives, universal health coverage, and migration management. The support program enables the Mauritanian government to respond to contemporary challenges and invest in Mauritanians by providing them with employment opportunities and access to education.
“People of Mauritania want to build a better future, and the goal of our cooperation is exactly that: to contribute to Mauritanian development and open new opportunities for companies. European companies already participate in development projects in areas like energy, the blue economy, and digitalisation, and our goal within Global Gateway is to help them find even more opportunities.”, explained Commissioner Síkela.
The cooperation between the EU and Mauritania is built upon concrete projects in digitalisation, such as a Tier III data centre in Nouakchott and an undersea internet cable. These projects help improve connectivity and open new opportunities for European tech partnerships as well as for the citizens of Mauritania. Green energy initiatives, such as the solar power plant in Kiffa and the Nouakchott-Nema transmission line, advance clean energy solutions and provide jobs for a variety of skill sets. The cooperation also focuses on the blue economy by supporting sustainable fisheries and enhancing maritime infrastructure. This has a positive impact on securing livelihoods and ensuring responsible resource management.
The Commissioner also attended a ceremony to distribute EU-funded security equipment to reinforce Mauritania’s border management capabilities and regional stability. Furthermore, the partners highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of instability and migration through investments in education, job creation, and secure infrastructure. Mauritania’s stability and prosperity were highlighted as vital to the security of the Sahel region and Europe.
The visit demonstrated the impact of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. Investments in critical infrastructure and capacity-building will deliver shared benefits for partner countries and the EU. Mauritania’s green hydrogen potential represents an opportunity to attract European investment while simultaneously advancing local economic growth and decarbonisation.
This mission has laid the groundwork for further engagement between the EU and Mauritania, and both partners have expressed their commitment to lasting progress. With Global Gateway, the EU remains dedicated to supporting Mauritania’s economic growth and strengthening its ties with this crucial regional partner.
Global Gateway
Global Gateway is the European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments through a Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its Member States and their financial and development institutions. It seeks a transformational impact in the digital, climate and energy, transport, health, and education and research sectors. The focus is on smart investments in quality infrastructure, respecting the highest social and environmental standards, in line with the EU’s interests and values: rule of law, human rights and international norms and standards.
More Information
Mauritania – European Commission
