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 of 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 its role in multilateral cooperation. Both sides underscored the importance of peace and security in Northeast Asia, with the EU appreciating Mongolia's engagement in the region.
The Joint Committee operates under the Mongolia-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The EU welcomed Mongolia's decision to host the 17th session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in Ulaanbaatar in 2026 and reaffirmed its intention to work closely with Mongolia to ensure concrete outcomes. On trade, the EU expressed support for Mongolia's economic diversification and welcomed improvements to its investment climate, highlighting the role of the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in supporting sustainable development. Both sides exchanged views on Mongolia's accession to the European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport (AETR), noting a positive decision by AETR member states on 8 June 2026, and expressed confidence in further progress at the UNECE Working Party on Road Transport in October 2026. They also expressed intention to conclude negotiations on a Geographical Indications agreement in 2026.
In education and research, both sides welcomed strengthened cooperation through Erasmus+ and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which enhance people-to-people ties and institutional partnerships. On regional and global challenges, Mongolia and the EU 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. Both sides reaffirmed commitments to international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also expressed intention to continue cooperation on human rights, following the regular Mongolia-EU Human Rights Dialogue held on 24 June 2026.
Building on the Development Cooperation Working Group meeting in Ulaanbaatar on 21 April 2026, Mongolia and the EU agreed on the importance of increasing strategic investment in priority sectors, including renewable energy to strengthen Mongolia's energy independence, and forestry, aligning with the EU's Global Gateway strategy. Both sides agreed to hold a Trade and Investment Sub-Committee meeting in the coming months. The next Joint Committee meeting is scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar in 2027.