The European Union and Mongolia held their annual Joint Committee meeting under the EU-Mongolia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in Brussels on 29 June 2026, reaffirming their partnership based on democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and multilateralism. The meeting was 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.
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. The EU also welcomed Mongolia hosting the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar in 2026.
On economic cooperation, 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+). The 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 a geographical indications agreement in 2026.
In education and research, the EU and Mongolia welcomed cooperation through Erasmus+ and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, underlining the importance of academic mobility and researchers' exchanges. On regional and global challenges, both expressed concern over the war in Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians in line with international law. They reaffirmed commitment to the UN Charter and international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The EU and Mongolia held their annual Human Rights Dialogue on 24 June, discussing recent developments. Building on the Development Cooperation Working Group held in Ulaanbaatar on 21 April, they agreed to scale up strategic investments in renewable energy and forestry, aligned with the EU's Global Gateway strategy and Mongolia's national priorities. A Subcommittee on Trade and Investment will be organised in the coming months. The next Joint Committee meeting is scheduled for 2027 in Ulaanbaatar.