The European Union and the Government of Mauritania signed two major development programmes on 15 June 2026, worth a total of €40 million (1.86 billion ouguiya), aimed at strengthening human development, social cohesion, territorial stability and population resilience. The signing ceremony took place in Nouakchott, with EU Ambassador to Mauritania Joaquin Tasso Vilallonga representing the EU side.
The first programme, the Health Sector Support Programme (PASS IV), is financed with €15 million (69.8 million MRU). It targets the Mauritanian health system, aiming to improve access to quality, equitable and accessible health services nationwide. Specific measures include strengthening health infrastructure, improving availability of essential medicines and medical equipment, developing health personnel skills, extending universal health coverage and digitalising the health system.
The second programme, Frontières Sud (Southern Borders), receives €25 million (1.16 billion MRU). It addresses security, economic and social challenges in regions along Mauritania's southern borders. Based on an integrated approach combining security, local development and social cohesion, the programme will strengthen the resilience of local communities and support state presence in border areas. Planned investments include access to water, rural electrification through photovoltaic mini-grids, local infrastructure, rural development and sustainable development of agricultural and pastoral value chains. These actions aim to enhance food security, climate resilience and economic opportunities in the affected regions.
"Good health guarantees a country's development, stability and social cohesion; investing in health is investing in the future." He added that "sustainable stability is built first and foremost within communities themselves, through dialogue, inclusion and trust," praising the leadership of Mauritanian authorities in a particularly complex regional environment.
The two programmes are part of the ongoing strategic partnership between the EU and Mauritania. They complement initiatives implemented by Team Europe and aim to strengthen public services, improve living conditions, stabilise territories and consolidate the country's resilience to current and future challenges. The EU reaffirmed its long-term support for Mauritania and its commitment to accompany national efforts for peace, security, health and sustainable development.
Stakeholder impact
Mauritanian citizens in border regions stand to gain improved access to water, electricity and economic opportunities, while the health system upgrade should benefit the entire population. The Mauritanian government receives direct financial support for its priority sectors, strengthening state capacity in peripheral areas. EU taxpayers finance the programmes through the EU budget, with the expectation of enhanced regional stability and reduced irregular migration pressures. Local communities in the Sahel region may see improved security and livelihoods, potentially reducing incentives for conflict or displacement.
No prior coverage of this specific funding package exists in the available records.
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