The European Union and Mongolia held their annual Joint Committee meeting under the EU-Mongolia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in Brussels on 29 June, reaffirming their partnership based on democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and multilateralism. The meeting, co-chaired by Dominic Porter, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), and Munkhtushig Lkhanaajav, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, covered a wide range of bilateral and global issues.
The EU reiterated its support for Mongolia's Third Neighbour Policy and welcomed Mongolia's commitment to multilateralism. Both sides agreed on the importance of promoting peace and security in Northeast Asia, with the EU appreciating Mongolia's bridging role. On environmental issues, the EU welcomed Mongolia hosting the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar in 2026.
Economic diversification and trade were key topics. The EU encouraged Mongolia to improve conditions for foreign investment and to make greater use of the Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance (GSP+). Both sides discussed Mongolia's prospective accession to the European Agreement concerning the work of crews of vehicles engaged in international road transport (AETR), following unanimous support by AETR members at a UNECE Expert Group on 8 June, with the next step expected in October 2026. They also aim for decisive progress in negotiations on an agreement on the protection of geographical indications in 2026.
Cooperation in education, training, and research was welcomed, particularly through Erasmus+ and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which strengthen people-to-people links. On regional and global challenges, the EU and Mongolia expressed concern over the war in Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians in line with international law. The EU supported efforts for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the UN Charter.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to human rights, having held their annual Human Rights Dialogue on 24 June. Building on discussions from the Development Cooperation Working Group on 21 April, they agreed to scale up strategic investments in renewable energy and forestry, aligning with the EU's Global Gateway strategy and Mongolia's national priorities. The Subcommittee on Trade and Investment will be organised in the coming months, and the next Joint Committee meeting is scheduled for 2027 in Ulaanbaatar.