The Global Gateway strategy aims to strengthen connections between Europe and the world and help partner countries address the digital divide and further develop a sustainable digital economy.
Digital technologies and services are proven enablers of sustainable development and inclusive growth. They can be key to improving lives even in the poorest countries, in particular by empowering women and girls, enhancing democratic governance and transparency, and boosting productivity and job creation.
Connectivity is also about infrastructure and connecting regions and cities. Building a road, a tunnel or a bridge to connect citizens to healthcare, markets, jobs and schools can radically improve the lives and livelihoods of rural communities. These connections will create new opportunities across entire regions. Poor infrastructure hampers a country’s growth and ability to trade in the global economy.
Programmes
The ACP-EU Programme to Strengthen Research and Innovation capacity in ACP countries targets public and private stakeholders with a comprehensive package of opportunities.
The BELLA Programme provides support for the long-term interconnectivity of European and Latin American research and education communities through ‘EllaLink’, a new 6,000 km submarine cable.
The PRIDA programme aims to promote universally accessible and affordable broadband across the continent, unlocking the benefits of internet-based services for all
The aim of the Smart Development Fund is to refine digital solutions to counter COVID-19 challenges in, and with, EU partner countries.
Latest news
Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, has been appointed Chair of the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report Advisory Board, taking over from H. E. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, who was the Chair of the Board in 2021–2023.
The European Union and its Member States announced that they will contribute over €750 million (more than $800 million), including close to €220 million ($233 million) from the EU budget, to the African Vaccines Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) launched today in Paris.
The EU System for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society programme seeks to support civil society to thrive by preventing efforts to restrict civic space and shut down civil society organisations.