On 10 July 2026, the Council of the European Union endorsed a geostrategic EU connectivity agenda aimed at advancing economic, foreign and security interests globally. The Council calls on the Commission and the High Representative to implement the agenda ambitiously and pragmatically, covering transport, energy, digital and human dimensions, while ensuring climate, environmental, social, economic and fiscal sustainability.
The document, a revised draft of Council conclusions, sets out a rules-based approach requiring that all international connectivity investments respect the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment and the G20 Operational Guidelines for Sustainable Financing as basic standards. It also welcomes existing partnerships with Japan (September 2019) and India (May 2021), as well as the EU-ASEAN joint Ministerial Statement of December 2020.
The Council invites the Commission and High Representative to extend the connectivity strategy globally to regions including Africa, Latin America, the Mediterranean, the Indo-Pacific, the Eastern neighbourhood, the Western Balkans, the Arctic, and the Middle East. It encourages a Team Europe approach involving EU institutions, Member States, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Member States' financial institutions. Other steps include integrating new strategic connectivity priorities into the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework programming, launching a Business Advisory Group, and hosting regular editions of the Europa Connectivity Forum.
The Council will review implementation on a regular basis.
Stakeholder impact - EU producers and exporters: Stand to benefit from improved infrastructure and market access in target regions, but may face competition from non-EU players under the level-playing-field rules. - EU taxpayers and national budgets: The Team Europe approach could leverage public funds for connectivity projects, but may require additional financial commitments from Member States. - Third-country governments in target regions: Could gain access to EU investment and technical standards, but must adhere to sustainability and governance requirements. - EU civil society and environmental groups: The emphasis on climate and environmental sustainability may ensure projects align with green goals, though implementation details remain to be seen.
Institutional follow-up The Commission and High Representative are expected to report back to the Council on progress, with the Council set to revert to the matter regularly. The next steps will likely involve programming adjustments within the MFF and the launch of the Business Advisory Group.