The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the European Union held a high-level strategic dialogue in Abuja, Nigeria, on March 23, 2026. The meeting, co-chaired by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, focused on reinforcing the partnership between the two blocs.
Discussions centered on shared priorities including regional security, sustainable development, democratic governance, and economic integration. The talks occurred against a backdrop of significant challenges in West Africa, including political transitions and security threats in the Sahel region.
Both parties issued a joint communiqué reaffirming their commitment to a rules-based international order and multilateral cooperation. The EU reiterated its support for ECOWAS's efforts in conflict prevention and the promotion of constitutional order among its member states.
The strategic dialogue is part of a regular series of high-level meetings outlined in the EU-ECOWAS Partnership Agreement. The next meeting is scheduled to be held in Brussels in 2027.
