EU strengthens ties with Mauritania during visit by Commissioner for International Partnerships

European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela visited Mauritania in his first official mission Thursday, advancing economic and security cooperation under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. Síkela met with President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay, and key ministers, signing a €100 million budget support agreement as part of a €210 million package. The funds will bolster green energy projects, health coverage, and migration management. 

The Global Gateway initiative aims to mobilize €300 billion for sustainable, high-quality investments worldwide, focusing on energy, digital connectivity, transport, and education while upholding EU values and international norms. 

The visit highlighted EU-Mauritania collaboration in clean energy, digital connectivity, and the blue economy. Key projects include a solar power plant in Kiffa, a Tier III data center in Nouakchott, and sustainable fisheries initiatives.

Síkela also handed over EU-funded security equipment to enhance border management and regional stability.