The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, announced today a significant step in EU-Niger cooperation. During an official visit to Niger, he confirmed a direct aid package totaling 66 million euros, underscoring the EU’s ongoing commitment to supporting Niger’s security and economic development. The announcement emphasized that growth and stability are interconnected, with the EU seeking to bolster both pillars in tandem as part of its broader engagement with the Sahel region.
Borrell also signaled that an additional 66 million euros in direct budget support would be mobilized. He stated that every effort would be made to increase the funding Niger receives within the framework of the EU’s financial perspectives, highlighting the bloc’s readiness to adapt and respond to evolving needs on the ground. The remarks came during meetings with Niger’s leadership, including President Mohamed Bazoum, where the discussions focused on reinforcing mechanisms that can translate security gains into tangible development outcomes for the Nigerien people.
As part of this trip, the EU’s newly launched military mission in Niger will be on the itinerary for Borrell. He described the mission as a critical component of the EU’s strategy to stabilize the region, noting that security and development reinforce each other in a virtuous cycle. The EU views a secure environment as a prerequisite for sustainable economic activity, while legitimate development outcomes help reduce the drivers of insecurity over time. In Borrell’s words, development and security go hand in hand, and neither can succeed without the other.
In this context, the EU positioned itself as a trustworthy partner capable of delivering reliable support. Bazoum, for his part, outlined his regional vision, stressing policies aimed at economic diversification, investment in critical infrastructure, and social programs designed to uplift living standards. The exchange highlighted shared priorities and a long-term partnership approach that seeks to stabilize Niger and enhance regional resilience through coordinated action and sustained funding. The EU’s message reaffirmed that the bloc remains steadfast in backing Niger’s path toward greater security and prosperity, in alignment with the country’s aspirations and international commitments. [EU press office attribution]