Bénin and EU forge renewed partnership for development
President Romuald Wadagni of Bénin paid a working visit to the seat of European Union institutions in Brussels, Belgium, on 24 June, to cement the foundations of a modernised partnership between his nation and the EU, designed to address emerging development challenges.
He was welcomed successively by the EU’s top leaders, including European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen.
During the working session with António Costa, both sides deliberated on the key pillars of bilateral cooperation, aiming to infuse fresh momentum into a relationship built on trust, stability, and shared objectives, according to a statement from the Béninese presidency.
Discussions between Wadagni and Von Der Leyen focused on avenues for deepening the EU-Bénin partnership. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating cooperation across several strategic sectors.
They identified three core areas of focus. The first involves economic transformation and innovation, emphasising industrial expansion, employment generation, development of the Port of Cotonou’s economic corridors, domestic processing of agricultural products, and professional training for young people.
The second priority is territorial development and security in northern Bénin, which includes increased support for local communities to counter violent extremism through reinforced basic infrastructure and improved access to economic opportunities.
The third priority, sustainable finance, is tied to the Global Green Bond Initiative, a mechanism designed to facilitate funding for sustainable infrastructure in renewable energy, transport, and agriculture.
The European Commission President underscored that “Bénin stands as a crucial EU ally in West Africa. This bond rests on mutual confidence and a shared drive to enhance living standards for everyone.”
For the Béninese presidency, strengthening the partnership also aims to position Bénin as a regional hub for growth, connectivity, and investment in West Africa.
