On 10 July 2026, the Council of the European Union published a revised draft of conclusions on 'A Globally Connected Europe', setting out its firm intention to enhance and expand the EU's offer of cooperation with partner countries in sustainable connectivity globally. The document, which includes comments from Finland, recognises the need to step up investment to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goals and hasten the transition to a green economy to fulfil Paris Agreement commitments, acknowledging increasing geostrategic and geoeconomic competition.
environmental, social, economic and fiscal sustainability, contributing to Paris Agreement implementation and ensuring a level playing field for businesses. It values the EU's role as a norm setter, underlining that all international connectivity initiatives must apply high international standards, norms and principles, with G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment and G20 sustainable financing guidelines as the basic standard.
The Council welcomes partnerships with Japan (September 2019), India (May 2021), and the EU-ASEAN joint Ministerial Statement on connectivity (December 2020). It encourages the Commission and the High Representative to further international cooperation, including with transatlantic partners and within G7 and G20.
The Council invites the Commission and the High Representative to start work on a Joint Communication on an EU Strategy on a Globally Connected Europe, with a view to its presentation by the end of 2021. This strategy is expected to outline concrete actions and funding mechanisms for sustainable connectivity projects.
EU institutions (Commission and High Representative) are tasked with developing the strategy, which will shape future connectivity initiatives. Partner countries stand to benefit from increased EU investment and cooperation, but must adhere to high standards. EU businesses may gain from a level playing field and new opportunities, but could face competition from non-EU actors. Civil society and environmental groups may welcome the emphasis on sustainability and Paris Agreement alignment, though implementation details remain to be seen.
The Commission and High Representative are expected to present the Joint Communication by end-2021, after which the Council will discuss and potentially adopt conclusions on the strategy.