By Diplo Insights Web Desk | July 20, 2025
JEDDAH – In a landmark announcement reflecting a major shift in European foreign policy, the European Union has pledged €42.5 billion ($46.4 billion) in funding from 2028 to strengthen partnerships across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The investment—under the EU’s revised Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF)—will prioritize renewable energy, border security, and migration cooperation.
EU Commissioner for Democracy and Demography, Dubravka Šuica, announced the initiative in Jeddah, describing it as a “strategic and values-based investment” that goes beyond financial aid to forge real partnerships for mutual stability and prosperity.
“This isn’t just a budget increase, it’s a new way of working with our Southern neighbors,” Šuica stated. “We’re investing in stability, security, and prosperity through real partnerships.”
A Shift in EU Diplomacy
The €42.5 billion package, which doubles previous commitments, marks a significant evolution in how the EU engages with MENA states.
Key objectives include:
• Accelerating renewable energy development, aiding both Europe’s and MENA’s green transition goals.
• Enhancing regional border security, contributing to shared safety and migration management.
• Tackling root causes of instability, such as economic hardship and social inequality.
Šuica emphasized the interdependence between Europe and the MENA region, noting, “Their stability is tied to ours. The success of our neighbors is a shared success, and their border security strengthens our own.”
The Strategic Context
This initiative comes at a time when the EU is recalibrating its global engagement amid geopolitical tensions, climate urgency, and shifting migration patterns. The new framework under the Global Europe Instrument positions the bloc to act more effectively in fragile and interconnected regions.
Analysts say this long-term financial commitment signifies not only diplomatic outreach but also a clear response to internal European concerns about migration flows, energy resilience, and external threats.
Looking Ahead
The funding will support country-level agreements and multi-stakeholder projects involving EU institutions, partner governments, international organizations, and private sector actors. It also reflects the EU’s broader strategic aim of promoting regional stability through diplomacy, investment, and sustainable development.
“With this new structure, we’re not just defending our interests globally,” Šuica concluded, “we’re standing up for our values in a complex and rapidly changing world.”
Diplo Insights will continue to monitor how this funding reshapes EU-MENA relations, with expert commentary and regional impact assessments in upcoming editions.
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