On 15 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 requested the European Commission and the High Representative to implement the strategy ambitiously, pragmatically, and in a timely manner, with a focus on extending the approach to regions including Africa, the Arctic, the Middle East, and Latin America.
The document, a revised draft of Council conclusions titled 'A Globally Connected Europe', highlights connectivity's role in implementing the Commission's 2019-2024 priorities, notably the European Green Deal and a Europe fit for the Digital Age. It recalls several existing EU policy frameworks, including the Data Gateway Declaration, the 2030 Digital Compass, the Updated Industrial Strategy, the Trade Policy Review, the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the EU Space Programme for 2021-2027, and the Global Approach to Research and Innovation. The Council notes that the Covid-19 pandemic exposed connectivity's strategic importance for economic growth, security, and resilience.
The Council values the EU's role as a norm setter and underlines that all international connectivity initiatives must apply high international standards, including the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment and G20 sustainable financing guidelines. It welcomes existing partnerships with Japan (September 2019), India (May 2021), and the EU-ASEAN joint Ministerial Statement on connectivity (December 2020).
The Council requests the Commission and High Representative to implement several concrete steps: extending the strategy globally, encouraging a Team Europe approach, presenting a coherent approach to incentivising sustainable connectivity investments, mobilising the private sector, ensuring visibility using the brand name EU BRIDGES, and creating a hybrid task force for institutional coordination. The Council will revert to implementation on a regular basis.
Stakeholder impact The strategy impacts EU institutions, which will need to coordinate implementation through the proposed task force. EU businesses in infrastructure, digital, and transport sectors stand to benefit from new investment opportunities and a rules-based framework that reduces risks in third-country markets. Partner countries, particularly in Africa and Latin America, may gain access to sustainable infrastructure financing but could face higher standards compared to alternative offers from other global actors. Civil society and environmental groups may welcome the emphasis on high standards and sustainability, though the strategy's effectiveness will depend on enforcement and monitoring.
Institutional follow-up The Council's request sets the stage for the Commission and High Representative to develop detailed implementation plans, with the Council scheduled to review progress regularly. The strategy is expected to inform upcoming EU summits with partner regions and may influence the EU's position in multilateral forums such as the G20 and the UN.