The European Union and Mongolia held the 24th meeting of their Joint Committee on Cooperation in Brussels on 29 June 2026, reaffirming a partnership grounded in shared values including democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and multilateralism. The meeting was co-chaired by L. Munkhtushig, State Secretary of Mongolia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dominic Porter, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS).
The EU reiterated its support for Mongolia's Third Neighbour Policy and commended the country's role in multilateral cooperation. Both sides underscored the importance of peace and security in Northeast Asia, with the EU expressing appreciation for Mongolia's engagement. They also reaffirmed commitments to tackling desertification, land degradation, and drought; the EU welcomed Mongolia's decision to host UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar in 2026 and pledged close cooperation for meaningful outcomes.
On economic diversification, the EU backed Mongolia's efforts to improve the investment climate and highlighted the role of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in supporting sustainable development. Progress on Mongolia's accession to the AETR road transport agreement was welcomed, following a consensus decision by AETR member states at a UNECE Working Party meeting on 8 June 2026. Both sides expressed confidence that further steps would be taken at the UNECE Working Party on Road Transport in October 2026. They also expressed intention to advance and conclude negotiations on a Geographical Indications agreement in 2026.
Cooperation in education and research through Erasmus+ and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions was praised for strengthening people-to-people ties. On regional and global challenges, both sides expressed concern over the war in Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law. The EU reaffirmed support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the UN Charter.
Human rights cooperation was discussed, with the regular Mongolia-EU Human Rights Dialogue held on 24 June 2026. Following the Development Cooperation Working Group meeting in Ulaanbaatar on 21 April 2026, both sides agreed to increase strategic investment in renewable energy and forestry, aligning with the EU's Global Gateway strategy. A Trade and Investment Sub-Committee meeting is planned in the coming months. The next Joint Committee meeting is scheduled for 2027 in Ulaanbaatar.