Mongolia, a lower-middle-income, resource-rich democracy with a population of 3.3 million, is strategically landlocked between Russia and China. The nation demonstrates a strong commitment to democracy and human rights, yet it faces economic dependence on China and relies on Russia for its energy needs.
In its foreign policy, Mongolia has traditionally sought to mitigate the influence of its two powerful neighbors by fostering relations with 'third neighbors', including the European Union.
Our partnership
The European Union is committed to assisting Mongolia in strengthening the resilience of its economy by diversifying beyond the mining sector and reducing its vulnerability to external shocks. This support aligns with Mongolia's 'Vision 2050', a domestic policy outlining long-term development goals, and is in harmony with the Global Gateway Strategy.
Team Europe in Mongolia is a collaborative effort involving the EU, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Czech Republic, and Germany (through GIZ and KfW).
Under the framework of the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) for 2021-2027, facilitated by the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe), the EU has allocated €31 million to support its partnership with Mongolia for the period of 2021-2024. Additionally, Mongolia benefits from a variety of multi-country EU programmes and investments that are mobilised through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), serving as the main financial mechanism of the Global Gateway Strategy.
- 8 MARCH 2022
- 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 17 NOVEMBER 2023
- 18 MAY 2022
- 8 MARCH 2022
Our flagship initiatives
Team Europe in Mongolia aims to leverage financing on sustainable nature resource management, value chain development, and green energy through the Team Europe Initiative Green Economic Growth by focusing on several key sectors:
- Climate & energy and Water & waste management: This initiative aims to promote investments in green and climate-resilient projects, creating a conducive business environment for renewable energies. Key projects include:
- Energy transmission line: The construction of a 220 km Choir-Sainshand double circuit energy transmission line will facilitate the integration of ongoing renewable energy projects into the grid, reduce energy losses, and improve intra-regional connectivity in Mongolia.
- Climate resilience: Constructing, extending and rehabilitating the water network, including flood protection measures, will contribute to climate resilience, protecting the environment and supporting the livelihoods of the local population in Erdenet City.
- Green and resilient regional development: Providing basic infrastructure to secondary urban centres, including roads, internet connectivity, electricity networks and substations, photovoltaic panels, water networks, district heating networks, renovation of public buildings, social and affordable housing, and solid waste management systems.
- District heating: The rehabilitation and installation of pipes, valves, and smart meters in Ulaanbaatar aim to reduce CO2 emissions and local air pollution by enhancing the reliability of district heating supply and expanding network capacity.
- Solid waste management: Constructing a new sanitary landfill and waste recycling plant in Ulaanbaatar will significantly improve solid waste management practices in the city.
- Forest Partnership: Supporting Mongolia’s National Campaign to plant 'One Billion Trees by 2030' launched on October 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by President von der Leyen and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 27) on 9 November 2022. The Forest Partnership focuses on protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing Mongolia’s forests, improving governance, enhancing forest-based value chains, preserving and restoring national forests, and reducing deforestation and forest degradation.
To support the implementation of the Green Economic Growth Team Europe Initiative, we also cooperate with Mongolia on:
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Judicial reforms: Improving the efficiency and credibility of the justice system to ensure an independent judiciary, fostering a better business environment conducive to green investments.
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Digital transformation agenda: Supporting Mongolia’s twin transition (green and digital) with an emphasis on regulatory framework improvements, connectivity enhancement, and the promotion of e-governance, e-commerce, and e-learning.
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Transparent management of public finances: Contributing to the fight against corruption across sectors, increasing investors and citizens' trust in government institutions, and bolstering support for climate-sensitive policies.
In the health sector, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting the construction of a new, energy-efficient hospital with 250 beds in Darkhan City.