DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 27 January 2026
Commission delivers €171 million support package for infrastructure and businesses in the Western Balkans
The European Commission has announced a €171 million of support to boost infrastructure development and private sector growth across Western Balkans partners.
The new support package includes an investment contribution package from different EU funding sources: contributions from the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III) for a project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, contributions from WBIF bilateral donors for a project in Montenegro, and contributions from the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF) for projects in Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia.
Today's funding package includes investment and technical assistance projects approved today, reinforcing the EU's commitment to sustainable growth and regional connectivity in the Western Balkans.
€94.7 million for infrastructure investments
Of the total package, €91.8 million is allocated to infrastructure projects in the four partners. This funding is expected to mobilise €263 million in total investments across seven projects in priority sectors, including digital, clean energy, human capital, transport and environment. Key projects include:
These projects will be implemented by the Western Balkan partners together with international financial institutions.
In addition, €2.9 million is allocated to four technical assistance projects in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, aimed at supporting future investments in energy, water, innovation, and research sectors.
€76.3 million to support the private sector
The package also includes €76.3 million in contributions to programmes supporting the private sector, including:
Following approval by the Western Balkans Investment Framework Operational Board, projects can proceed to implementation. This includes finalising the necessary agreements with partner institutions and beneficiaries, launching preparatory studies for technical assistance activities, and completing the procedures required to enable implementation of private-sector projects. Once these processes are completed, implementation of the supported investments can begin.
Background
The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans aims to integrate the Western Balkan partners into the EU Single Market, advance regional economic cooperation, deepen EU-related reforms, and increase financial assistance to accelerate socio-economic convergence with the EU. The Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, with a total financial envelope of €6 billion for 2024-2027, is the Plan's key financial instrument, translating reform progress by partners into tangible support. To this day, 13 investment projects totalling €156 million have been approved under the Reform and Growth Facility since its launch in May 2024.
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) is instrumental in implementing the Reform and Growth Facility, channelling €3 billion in grants and loans under the Facility to support priority investments in transport, energy, digital and human capital. In addition, it also supports the implementation of the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA), aimed at assisting enlargement partners on their way to EU membership. Established 15 years ago, the WBIF is a joint financial platform, bringing together the European Commission, financial organisations, EU Member States and Norway. It contributes directly to the EU's Global Gateway Strategy.
For more information
Factsheet – Summary of WBIF Investments
Growth Plan for the Western Balkans
Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans
Δηλώσεις
Investing in our Western Balkan partners is key to bringing them closer to the EU. In more than two years since the adoption of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, we have been working, including through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, to turn commitments into action. From advancing infrastructure to enhancing business development, these investments are creating real opportunities for citizens and making the EU a lived reality across the region.
Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement
The EU and Brazil conclude agreements to create the biggest area of free and safe data flows in the world
Today, the European Commission and Brazil adopted mutual adequacy decisions, confirming that their levels of data protection are comparable. Recognising the high data protection standards that protect consumers and citizens on both sides, these agreements now allow businesses, public authorities and researchers to freely exchange data between the EU and Brazil.
By ensuring that personal data can flow freely and securely between the EU and Brazil without any additional requirements, there will be a boost to digital trade between the two jurisdictions. The decisions will save costs and ensure legal certainty and stability for European companies already invested in Brazil and for Brazilian firms expanding into the EU's market. They create the largest area of free and safe data flows in the world, benefitting a combined 670 million consumers across the EU and Brazil.
These mutual adequacy decisions come in the backdrop of the historic Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and Interim Trade Agreement (iTA) signed on 17 January between the EU and Mercosur. The decisions will be a building block for strengthening trade between the EU and Brazil and sends yet another strong geopolitical signal, demonstrating the EU and Brazil' shared commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order.
The adoption of the mutual adequacy decisions follows an opinion by the European Data Protection Board and the EU Member States' greenlight in the so-called comitology procedure. The Commission will review the functioning of its adequacy decision after a period of four years.
The Constitution of Brazil protects privacy and data protection as fundamental rights, as is also the case under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. In 2018, Brazil adopted the General Data Protection Law, the equivalent of the General Data Protection Regulation in the EU. It subsequently created an independent data protection authority, the National Data Protection Authority, a fundamental tenet of the EU's data protection framework. Brazil's General Data Protection Law offers a very high degree of convergence with the scope, safeguards, rights, obligations, oversight, enforcement mechanism, and remedies of the GDPR.
The European Commission has the power to determine, under the GDPR, whether a country or international organisation outside the EU ensures an adequate level of data protection. Following this, the Commission might initiate the process for the adoption of an adequacy decision, which allows the free flow of personal data from the EU and the European Economic Area to a third-country or international organisation without further obstacles.
The Commission has so far recognised, in varying scopes, Andorra, Argentina, Canada, the Faroe Islands, Guernsey, Israel, the Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Law Enforcement Directive, the United States, Uruguay and the European Patent Organisation as providing adequate protection.
Data protection adequacy for non-EU countries
Data Adequacy Decision with Brazil
Today, the EU is further deepening its ties with one of its most strategic and like-minded partners. Our mutual adequacy decision is a key step in further integrating our economies. It will create new opportunities for our businesses and advance innovation, to the benefit of millions of consumers across Europe and South America.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
Brazil has built a strong privacy and data protection framework that safeguards fundamental rights. Together, we have created the world’s largest area for safe, cross-border data flows, covering over 670 million people. This agreement boosts digital trade, supports businesses of all sizes, and sets a global benchmark showing that strong privacy protections can coexist with innovation and growth. It sends a clear message: fundamental rights don’t stop at borders, giving consumers confidence that their data is respected and protected.
Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection
Commission opens proceedings to assist Google in complying with interoperability and online search data sharing obligations under the Digital Markets Act
Today, the European Commission has started two sets of specification proceedings to assist Google in complying with its obligations under the Digital Markets Act (‘DMA'). The specification proceedings formalise the Commission's regulatory dialogue with Google on certain areas of its compliance with two DMA obligations.
The first set of proceedings concerns Google's obligation under Article 6(7) of the DMA to provide third-party developers with free and effective interoperability with hardware and software features controlled by Google's Android operating system. Today's proceedings focus on features used by Google's own Artificial Intelligence (‘AI') services, such as Gemini. The Commission intends to specify how Google should grant third-party AI service providers equally effective access to the same features as those available to Google's own services. The aim is to ensure that third-party providers have an equal opportunity to innovate and compete in the rapidly evolving AI landscape on smart mobile devices.
The second set of proceedings concerns Google's obligation under Article 6(11) of the DMA to grant third-party providers of online search engines access to anonymised ranking, query, click and view data held by Google Search on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (‘FRAND') terms. These proceedings focus on the scope of data, the anonymisation method, the conditions of access, and the eligibility of AI chatbot providers to access the data. Effective compliance and access to a useful dataset will allow third-party providers of online search engines to optimise their services and offer users genuine alternatives to Google Search.
Next steps
The Commission will conclude the proceedings within six months of their opening. Within the upcoming three months the Commission will communicate its preliminary findings to Google setting out the draft measures it intends to impose on Google to effectively comply with the DMA. Non-confidential summaries of preliminary findings and the envisaged measures will be published to enable third parties to provide comments.
These proceedings, which by their nature do not take a position on compliance with the DMA, are without prejudice to the powers of the Commission to adopt a decision finding non-compliance with any of the obligations laid down in the DMA by a gatekeeper, including the possibility to impose fines or periodic penalty payments.
The DMA aims to ensure contestable and fair markets in the digital sector. It regulates gatekeepers, which are large digital platforms that provide an important gateway between business users and consumers, whose position can grant them the power to create a bottleneck in the digital economy.
On 6 September 2023, the European Commission designated Google Inc.'s Google Search, Google Play, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Android operating system, Google Chrome, Google Shopping and its online advertising services as core platform services. Google has had to fully comply with all applicable DMA obligations in respect of the designated services since 7 March 2024.
The Commission has published an annual report on the implementation of the DMA and the progress made towards achieving its objectives.
Quote(s)
Artificial Intelligence tools are transforming the way we seek and receive online information on our smartphones and even how we interact with our devices. This creates new opportunities. We want to maximise the potential and the benefits of this profound technological shift by making sure the playing field is open and fair, not tilted in favour of the largest few. With today’s proceedings we want to help Google by explaining in more detail how it should comply with its interoperability and online search data sharing obligations under the Digital Markets Act.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
Millions of Europeans rely daily on online search engines, and increasingly on AI services. Today’s proceedings under the Digital Markets Act will provide guidance to Google to ensure that third-party online search engines and AI providers enjoy the same access to search data and Android operating system as Google's own services, like Google Search or Gemini. Our goal is to keep the AI market open, unlock competition on the merits and promote innovation, to the benefit of consumers and businesses.
Belgium has increased its climate and energy ambition towards 2030 but more efforts are needed, according to Commission assessment
The Commission published its assessment of the final updated National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) of Belgium. It includes specific guidance for the country to implement its plan and for raising its ambition to meet the EU's climate and energy targets for 2030. While Belgium has increased its ambition compared to the draft updated plan, further effort is necessary particularly in closing the gaps in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The final updated plan indicates Belgium's readiness to meet its 2030 commitments under the Effort Sharing Regulation, with expectations of exceeding its Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) objectives, provided the plan is properly executed. The country is strengthening its energy security through diversifying gas supplies, maintaining stable consumption levels, and exploring alternatives of energy sources such as hydrogen.
This assessment complements the EU-wide assessment of the final updated NECPs and its accompanying documents released last year, which highlighted substantial progress by Member States towards the EU's 2030 climate and energy goals.
The Commission reiterates its call on Poland, the only Member State that has not yet submitted its final updated plan, to do so without further delay. The Commission will continue supporting EU countries in addressing remaining gaps, securing financing, and refining their climate and energy measures. More information is available online.
For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07)
EU funds 136 research projects that will quickly benefit citizens and businesses
The European Research Council (ERC) has unveiled the results of its final round of the 2025 Proof of Concept Grants – helping the transition from scientific ideas and discoveries into concrete products and solutions – awarding 136 projects a grant of €150,000 each. The funding will help to bridge the gap between groundbreaking discoveries and their practical or commercial use in everyday life, contributing to boost growth and investment. These grants bring the total count under the ERC 2025 programme to an impressive 300, backed by a €45 million budget from Horizon Europe, the EU's framework for research and innovation.
In 2025, these grants supported a diverse array of projects, showing how cutting-edge science can pave the way for innovation. Highlights include harnessing satellite images and artificial intelligence to evaluate wartime damage, pioneering ultrasound techniques for real-time visualisation of the tiniest blood vessels in a human kidney and developing cost-effective methods to safeguard buildings against earthquakes in susceptible regions. Additionally, current projects investigate regenerative treatments inspired by the unique biology of the naked mole-rat to repair damaged hearts, and innovative approaches to reduce machine friction and wear by forming protective carbon layers during regular use.
This year's ERC programme featured two rounds of calls, assessing a total of 879 proposals. The 300 new grantees hail from 23 EU Member States and associated countries, with the highest concentration of projects taking place in Germany (51 grants), Spain (42), Italy (33), and the United Kingdom (31). This shows how incentive to research in attracting talent from all over Europe.
More information is available online.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki — Tel.: + 32 2 299 66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – tel.: 32 229-52117)
International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Eurobarometer on perception of antisemitism
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the European Commission published the results of a Eurobarometer survey on the perception of antisemitism. The results show that a growing majority of Europeans (55% in 2025, compared to 50% in 2018) consider antisemitism as a problem in their Member State. 47% of Europeans acknowledge a rise in antisemitism in their Member State over the past five years, an increase by 11 percentage points since 2018. Hostility in public spaces (62%, +11pp), antisemitic graffiti (61%, +10pp), and online antisemitism (61%, +10pp) are most frequently cited manifestations. Almost 7 out of 10 Europeans (69%, compared to 54% in 2018) think that the conflicts in the Middle East have an influence on the perception of Jewish people in their country.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, said: “Jewish culture is woven into the fabric of European history. We must protect and nurture this today and well into the future. Remembrance ensures that we never forget historical truth. We remember, together.”
The survey also found that half of Europeans (48%, compared to 43% in 2018) think that the Holocaust is sufficiently taught in school. Also, a growing number of Europeans (66%, compared to 61% in 2018) are aware of laws criminalising the incitement to antisemitic violence. Half of Europeans (52%, compared to 42% in 2018) know about laws criminalising Holocaust denial.
In October 2024, the European Commission published its progress report on the first-ever EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, adopted in October 2021. The Strategy steers the fight against antisemitism in the EU, setting out a series of measures to prevent all forms of antisemitism, secure and foster Jewish life in Europe and promote remembrance of the Holocaust. Work on all 90 actions of the strategy is ongoing - most recently a European Network of Holocaust Memorials (ESHEM) was launched to create synergies among the more than 44,000 memorials across Europe. On 20 January, the Commission also presented its new EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030, which aims to combat all forms of racism, including antisemitism. The Framework Decision on Combating Racism and Xenophobia ensures that serious manifestations of racism and xenophobia – including publicly condoning, denying or trivialising the Holocaust – are punishable by effective, proportionate and dissuasive criminal sanctions. In 2023, the Commission adopted the Communication “No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred” to step up efforts to fight hatred in all its forms. In this context, the European Citizens' Panel on Tackling Hatred in Society, composed of 150 randomly selected citizens, formulated series of policy recommendations.
As part of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, the Commission will provide over €28 million of EU funding to support projects on European Remembrance in 2026-2027. Priority will be given, among others, to projects that aim to strengthen Holocaust remembrance, education and research or combat Holocaust denial and distortion. With the support of the Erasmus+ programme, and as part of the EU-funded project ‘Addressing antisemitism through education', UNESCO is launching a survey of teachers' knowledge and understanding of antisemitism.
The full results of the Eurobarometer survey, including the report, factsheets and infographic can be found online.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Torres Castillo — Tel.: + 32 2 299 06 79)
EU advances secure satellite communications with GOVSATCOM and IRIS²
Last week, EU GOVSATCOM operations began, giving all Member States access to secure satellite communications for government and military use. The system is built and operated in Europe and remains fully under EU control.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: "Our security depends on our ability to stay connected, no matter the circumstances. GovSatCom is now ready to provide that vital link. By building our own secure satellite services, we are breaking our dependencies and taking full control of our digital safety. This is a win for European sovereignty and a major milestone for our Space Programme."
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Space and Defence, said: “GOVSATCOM is only the beginning. With it, Europe is moving decisively toward sovereign, secure satellite communications under full European control. By expanding coverage and bandwidth worldwide and advancing toward IRIS², we are laying the foundations of a resilient, trusted satellite infrastructure that will serve Europe's governments, security and strategic autonomy for decades to come.”
This is the first step in strengthening EU satellite connectivity. In 2027, coverage and capacity will expand to provide secure communications worldwide, including through trusted commercial partners with strict security requirements.
Progress is also being made on Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²), the EU's future secure connectivity system. IRIS² military frequencies are now in use, setting the foundations for long-term secure governmental services. This shows the value of public-private partnerships through the use of existing European commercial satellites. Initial IRIS² services are expected by 2029, earlier than planned.
Together, these developments aim to ensure secure connectivity for all Member States and strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy, without any dependency on third countries.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel: +32 2 299 10 99; Marine Strauss – Tel: +32 2 298 91 03)
Towards 2030: A Joint India-European Union Comprehensive Strategic Agenda
This Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, endorsed at the 16th India-EU Summit held on 27 January 2026 in New Delhi, aims to further reinforce the strategic partnership by broadening, deepening and better coordinating EU-India cooperation to deliver mutually beneficial, concrete and transformative outcomes for both partners and for the wider world.
The strategic agenda covers key areas: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global issues, reinforced by enablers across pillars. Building on more than 20 years of strategic partnership, it is a forward-looking action plan that reflects the commitment of both sides to work together in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment as trusted, predictable and like-minded partners.
1. PROSPERITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
1.1. Boosting Trade and Investment
1.1.1 Recognizing that trade and economic ties continue to shape the foundation of the India-EU bilateral partnership, the two sides reaffirm commitment to this vital pillar to strengthen trade linkages, investment avenues, and enhance global supply and value chains.
1.1.2 Hailing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement as a historic milestone in the strategic partnership, call for its timely implementation to further unlock immense opportunities as a driver of shared prosperity and resilience.
1.1.3 Conclude an Investment Protection Agreement to provide high, predictable standards of protection for investors on both sides, and promote investment in selected high-growth and future-oriented sectors.
1.1.4 Conclude an Agreement on Geographical Indications to ensure effective protection of iconic products and boost trade opportunities.
1.1.5 Following the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding on supervisory cooperation between the European Securities and Market Authorities and the Reserve Bank of India, enhance regulatory cooperation on financial services, including establishing a structured Regulatory Dialogue on Financial Services.
1.1.6 Deepen and broaden EU-India customs cooperation.
1.1.7 Strengthen the bilateral EU-India Macroeconomic Dialogue.
1.1.8 Scale up Team Europe Global Gateway investments in and with India, with the European Investment Bank (EIB) as a key partner.
1.2. Strengthening supply chains and economic security
1.2.1 Jointly assess external vulnerabilities and strategic trade opportunities. and expand collaboration in strategic value chains.
1.2.2 Engage in discussions on Blue Valleys for selected strategic value chains to accelerate private sector engagement through investment facilitation, standard alignment, and structured business collaboration.
1.2.3 Broaden discussions on economic security within the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) to issues such as research security and protection of sensitive technologies.
1.2.4 Implement the EU-India Semiconductor Memorandum of Understanding, strengthen the resilience of semiconductor supply chains and promote mutually beneficial collaboration in research and development for chip design, heterogeneous integration, sustainable semiconductor technologies and technology development for semi-conductor manufacturing.
1.2.5 Develop further cooperation to scale up climate action in the light of national circumstances, including in all relevant energy sectors.
1.2.6 Deepen collaboration, including through a joint reflection paper, on early warning systems for active pharmaceutical ingredients, contingency planning in agrifood supply chains, and to advance bio-manufacturing and other areas of biotechnology.
1.2.7 Cooperate with the aim of developing resilient, secure and diversified critical minerals supply chains for energy transition and sustainable industrial ecosystems.
1.3. Advancing the clean transition and resilience
1.3.1 Strengthen cooperation under the India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership, including through energy technologies, smart grids, storage, electricity sector regulation, energy and climate diplomacy.
1.3.2 Reactivate the Joint Working Group on Energy Security under the India-EU Energy Panel which would inter-alia focus on dialogue on diversifying reliable and affordable energy sources and strengthen co-operation to promote energy efficiency improvement across sectors.
1.3.3 Organise an India-EU Wind Business Summit to foster business and expert exchanges on wind energy technologies, know-how, auction design, tendering, investment and financing, research and innovation, and testing and demonstration facilities.
1.3.4 Operationalise the India-EU Task Force on Green Hydrogen to foster cooperation on hydrogen production, storage, and distribution to support efforts to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors.
1.3.5 Explore further cooperation in sustainable mobility including Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Compressed Biogas (CBG), as well as on vehicles' energy certification methodologies, e-mobility, and electric vehicle charging standards.
1.3.6 Pursue cooperation in the railway sector for the adoption of advanced rail standards focusing on High Speed, decarbonisation, digitalisation and automation of operation and Maintenance activities.
1.3.7 Pursue cooperation to support sustainable ship recycling activities, especially through the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships and inclusion of Indian ship recycling yards which comply with the European Union Regulation on Ship Recycling in its list of ship recycling facilities.
1.3.8 Deepen cooperation under the India-EU Partnership on Smart and Sustainable Urbanisation including by furthering city-to-city cooperation and exchanges as well as investments.
1.3.9 Advance collaboration on sustainable finance instruments and corporate sustainability, including under the EU's Global Green Bonds Initiative.
1.3.10 Work together to make power markets stronger, using tools such as contracts for difference, smart meter insights, and offtake agreements. Team up to make offtake deals easier and share know-how on technologies like electrolysers, fuel cells, and energy storage.
1.3.11 Cooperate on efforts towards industrial decarbonisation of heavy hard to abate energy intensive industries, including through exchanging best practices on low-carbon materials definitions such as steel and cement, while ensuring a level playing field.
1.3.12 Work towards sharing experiences on the design and implementation of India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), and the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and exploring further cooperation.
1.3.13 Deepen cooperation on climate adaptation and resilience for preventing and reducing climate risks, improving disaster preparedness and response capabilities, and strengthening infrastructure resilience, including through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
1.3.14 Deepen collaboration on water resilience and security within the India–EU Water Partnership through organisation of regular EU-India Joint Working Group on Water Cooperation.
1.3.15 Reinforce the Resource Efficiency & Circular Economy Partnership, including by establishing an India-EU Joint Working Group on Circular Economy.
1.3.16 Further strengthen exchanges through the bilateral Dialogue on Environment and explore options to resume the India-EU Environmental Forum to facilitate exchanges between government and business stakeholders.
1.3.17 Support sustainable agriculture and foster sustainable agrifood systems including through establishment of an Agrifood Policy Partnership Dialogue.
1.3.18 Advance bilateral cooperation on health including disease prevention, vaccines, preparedness, sharing of epidemic intelligence, wastewater surveillance, information and knowledge sharing and responsible data-sharing; enhance collaboration between disease control centres; and support sustainable and resilient health systems.
1.3.19 Implement the Administrative Arrangement on cooperation in disaster risk management to strengthen cooperation through policy dialogue, technical engagement, knowledge sharing, early-warning and emergency response.
2. TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2.1 Supporting critical emerging technologies
2.1.1 Promote collaborative research focused on artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, advanced semiconductors, clean tech and biotech.
2.1.2 Set up India-EU Innovation Hubs, to support dialogue, knowledge exchange, and joint projects in critical emerging technologies, by bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, startups, investors, as well as civil society experts to identify shared priorities and catalyse innovation.
2.1.3 Advance promising technologies from early-stage collaboration to promote industrial deployment and accelerate private-sector engagement.
2.1.4 Establish an India-EU Startup Partnership in collaboration with the European Innovation Council, Start-up India, and Member States, to promote cross-border investment, co-creation, and deep-tech scale-ups between European and Indian SMEs, incubators and start-ups.
2.1.5 Cooperate on mutually beneficial research and development, reciprocal talent exchanges, and technological development of advanced semiconductors, focusing on design and prototyping for AI applications, leveraging inter alia Indian design strengths and EU research infrastructures.
2.1.6 Cooperate on strategic AI domains, including large language models, multilingual natural language processing datasets, AI training datasets, and AI solutions for public goods such as healthcare, agriculture, and climate action.
2.1.7 Develop trustworthy, sustainable, human-centric AI, including by strengthening collaboration between the European AI Office and India's National AI Mission and India AI Safety Institute to expand AI safety, testing, and evaluation.
2.1.8 Expand joint activities under the India-EU Intent of Cooperation (IoC) on High-Performance Computing (HPC) to include reciprocal access to facilities, common benchmarking standards, co-developed applications in simulation, optimisation, and machine learning, researcher exchanges, joint doctoral programmes, and co-funding to accelerate hybrid workflows from proof-of-concept to production.
2.1.9 Deepen cooperation, through the India-EU Space Dialogue, in space technology including on earth observation, satellite navigation, space surveillance, and communication and advance collaboration including on space security.
2.1.10 Jointly undertake robust measures to protect critical technologies.
2.1.11 Pursue the ongoing dialogue on harmonising charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
2.2 Advancing a conducive digital environment
2.2.1 Deepen cooperation to create a trustworthy, secure, fair, and interoperable digital ecosystem, including by strengthened regulatory collaboration.
2.2.2 Strengthen engagements on robust data protection frameworks.
2.2.3 Promote fair digital markets, secure e-commerce, online privacy, legal certainty, product safety, corporate sustainability, and child protection, while combating illegal content and systemic risks in compliance with applicable national and international laws.
2.2.4 Strengthen mutual experience sharing on universal, meaningful, robust and secure digital infrastructure and collaborate to develop and promote secure and trusted telecommunications ecosystems including under the Memorandum of Understanding between India's Bharat 6G alliance and the EU's 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association.
2.2.5 Establish structured mechanisms for capacity building cooperation, knowledge sharing, and expert exchange programmes aimed at fostering innovation, standardisation, and inclusive digital growth.
2.2.6 Collaborate on digital public infrastructure (DPI), leveraging experience in e-Governance solutions, policies and standards and large-scale platforms to support financial inclusion, digital identity, and efficient public service delivery, and promote deployment of joint DPI solutions in third countries.
2.2.7 Explore technical interoperability, such as between the European Digital Wallet and India's Digital Wallet, to facilitate cross-border trade, travel and data exchanges.
2.2.8 Implement the Administrative Arrangement on Advanced Electronic Signatures and Seals.
2.3 Promoting research cooperation
2.3.1 Deepen cooperation under the EU research and innovation programme Horizon Europe, including in the fields of digital, energy, water, agrifood, health, semiconductors, biotech, advanced materials, particularly through mechanisms such as co-funding and coordinated calls.
2.3.2 Explore options for association of India to Horizon Europe to enable Indian researchers and institutions to participate on an equal footing with European partners in collaborative projects across the wide range of fields covered by the programme.
2.3.3 Promote collaboration on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy under the India-Euratom agreement on research and development activities in nuclear science and technology, advanced materials for detectors, radiation safety, nuclear security, non-power applications of atomic energy including cooperation on radio-pharmaceuticals and strengthen cooperation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor.
2.3.4 Establish and implement a comprehensive semiconductor collaboration framework encompassing joint research and development, reciprocal talent and skill exchanges, advanced semiconductor manufacturing and packaging, and strategic partnerships for resilient supply chain, thereby strengthening global ecosystem for advanced semiconductors focusing on design and prototyping for AI applications.
3. SECURITY AND DEFENCE
3.1 Bilateral cooperation
3.1.1 Implement the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in security and defence, including maritime security, defence industry and technology, cyber and hybrid threats, space and counterterrorism.
3.1.2 Enhance the existing Security and Defence Consultations to an annual EU-India Security and Defence Dialogue through the SDP.
3.1.3 Conclude an India-EU Security of Information Agreement to facilitate exchanges of classified information and stronger security and defence cooperation.
3.2 Defence industrial cooperation
3.2.1 Consult on respective defence initiatives, including through exchanges on defence industry- related matters. Explore, where there are mutual interest and alignment of security priorities, possibilities for India's participation in relevant EU defence initiatives, as appropriate, in line with respective legal frameworks.
3.2.2 Set up an industry-led India - EU Defence Industry Forum to bring together businesses from both sides, with official participation as observers and associating EU Member States, for further focused discussions on defence industry to explore opportunities.
3.3 Deepening engagement on regional security
3.3.1 Enhance cooperation to promote a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific built on international law and mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of disputes, underpinned by effective regional institutions and reflective of inter-regional linkages.
3.3.2 Pursue engagement through the EU's participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), the India Ocean Rim Association (IORA), as a dialogue partner and in the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).
3.3.3 Launch India-EU Consultations on the Indo-Pacific and explore cooperation through projects in third countries.
3.3.4 Intensify engagement and regular exchanges on regional and global issues, including on efforts towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
3.4 Countering traditional and hybrid threats
3.4.1 Enhance cooperation to counter terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism, counter radicalisation and violent extremism, combat financing of terrorism, promote internationally agreed anti-money laundering standards, prevent exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, and tackle terrorist recruitment, including by building counter measures against terrorist propaganda and online radicalisation.
3.4.2 Enhance exchanges on hybrid threats and share best practices in developing strategies and policies to counter these threats.
3.4.3 Strengthen law enforcement cooperation through the implementation of the Working Arrangement between the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Europol, including both India's connection to Europol's Secure Information Exchange Network Application (SIENA) and the deployment of an Indian liaison officer at Europol's HQ.
3.4.4 Explore cooperation between relevant Indian authorities and Eurojust and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO).
3.4.5 Enhance cooperation to dismantle illicit drug production and enhance coordination to prevent drug trafficking.
4. CONNECTIVITY AND GLOBAL ISSUES
4.1 Strengthening regional connectivity
4.1.1 Strengthen connectivity between Europe, India, and the wider world, upholding high standards while unlocking new commercial opportunities for Indian and EU businesses. Further implement the 2021 EU–India Connectivity Partnership including through Global Gateway and India's MAHASAGAR, focusing on energy connectivity, transport and digital.
4.1.2 Deepen strategic collaboration under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to diversify trade routes, reduce strategic dependencies, promote regional integration, and future-proof supply chains, including support to infrastructure development, maritime, rail, digital, and energy.
4.1.3 Advance the EU-Africa-India Digital Corridor within the framework of IMEC including through the Blue Raman submarine cable system to provide ultra-high-speed, secure, and diversified data connectivity resilient to disruptions caused by natural disasters or acts of sabotage.
4.1.4 Develop Green Shipping Corridors to strengthen sustainable maritime connectivity, reduce dependency on carbon-intensive shipping fuels and work together to achieve consensus based global low carbon maritime transport standards as well as work towards sustainable maritime transport solutions and joint development of green shipping shipbuilding ecosystem in India.
4.1.5 Establish a regular Dialogue on Aviation to explore ways to deepen market cooperation, expand direct connectivity, and strengthen sustainability cooperation in green aviation, and with a view to a possible Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement. The Dialogue will also include cooperation on aviation safety with a view to a possible Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement.
4.2 Promoting cooperation in third countries
4.2.1 Implement trilateral cooperation projects under the India–EU Administrative Arrangement on Trilateral Cooperation, in areas such as energy, climate resilience, green mobility, and digitalisation.
4.2.2 Strengthen cooperation on resilient clean energy technologies and supply chains in third countries, leverage ongoing collaboration under the International Solar Alliance towards making solar energy technology more accessible and affordable worldwide.
4.2.3 Strengthen engagement with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure through respective support to CDRI initiatives aiming at promoting Disaster Risk Reduction, building infrastructure systems, in cooperation with existing initiatives to maximise efficiency, such as the Early Warnings for All, especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
4.2.4 Enhance India–EU cooperation on Humanitarian Assistance founded on mutually recognised humanitarian principles to ensure better coordination on the ground.
4.3 Shaping effective global governance
4.3.1 Enhance coordination, close cooperation and joint action in multilateral fora, including in the United Nations (UN) and the G20.
4.3.2 Engage on reform of multilateral institutions including the UN to make them more representative and reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities.
4.3.3 Work together towards meaningful reform and strengthening of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to establish effective governance and an updated trade agenda.
4.3.4 Collaborate to build an inclusive and efficient international financial architecture, mobilise resources, advance Multilateral Development Bank reforms, and implement the Sevilla Commitment action plan.
4.3.5 Cooperate to effectively implement the Paris Agreement, the successive Conference of the Parties' (COP) outcomes, and respective Nationally Determined Contributions.
4.3.6 Work towards effective implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; and advance the Global Water Agenda; constructively engage in the ongoing negotiations to develop an internationally legally binding instrument on plastic pollution with a view to reaching consensus; and cooperate to attain global consensus on the adoption and further implementation of the International Maritime Organization Net-Zero Framework and collaborate with India in its Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
4.3.7 Strengthen the resilience of health systems, including by supporting primary health care and universal health coverage, enhancing regulatory cooperation and health security capacities, applying a One Health approach, and leveraging digital solutions.
4.3.8 Establish India-EU Ocean and Fisheries Dialogue, for enhanced cooperation on ocean governance, including sustainable fisheries management, and protection of marine biodiversity
4.3.9 Coordinate in UN and other multilateral AI discourses on governance towards a responsible, human-centric AI approach, among others, including by working together for a successful AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026.
4.3.10 Continue to engage on human rights in a bilateral and multilateral context, including through the regular EU-India human rights dialogue and on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
4.3.11 Work together, respecting international rules, for a resilient global health architecture where relevant actors work in partnership, focusing on their core mandates and avoiding duplication, based on strong multilateral cooperation with a reformed World Health Organisation (WHO).
5. ENABLERS
5.1 Expanding skills mobility
5.1.1 Support mutually beneficial skills and talent mobility while managing migration issues effectively including countering irregular migration, migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings, and cooperating on effective and timely return and readmission of irregular migrants, as outlined in the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility.
5.1.2 Launch the first pilot European Legal Gateway Office in India as a one-stop hub to provide information and support the movement of workers to the EU, starting with the ICT sector.
5.1.3 Implement the EU-India Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility, involving interested Member States, in line with the national competences of EU Member States and the legislation of both Parties, support skills development and compare skills and qualification frameworks. Make full use of the EU Talent Pool IT platform, when available, to facilitate the recruitment of workers in shortage occupations.
5.1.4 Further modernise and simplify Schengen visa procedures through the upcoming digitalisation of visa procedures, once it enters into operation, while jointly addressing the challenges of visa fraud and document verification.
5.1.5 Strengthen mobility exchanges of students, academics and researchers through initiatives such as the Union of Skills, Erasmus+, including Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programmes, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), along with Indian funding programmes, such as the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC).
5.1.6 Initiate high-level Education and Skills Dialogue to bring together policymakers, quality assurance authorities, education institutions, and training providers, promoting a seamless flow of talent.
5.1.7 Facilitate recognition of qualifications and learning periods abroad to support systemic collaboration in higher and vocational education, enabling joint programmes, satellite campuses, and language training in India.
5.1.8 Facilitate Indian institutions joining Erasmus+ Centres of Vocational Excellence as associated partners and EU participants gaining easier access to India's mobility, scholarship, and education programmes and experience sharing on apprenticeships.
5.1.9 Strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector aimed at boosting two-way sustainable tourism cooperation, including by sharing best practices.
5.1.10 Support skills development and technical qualifications across EU and India in critical tech areas and support mobility schemes under Horizon Europe and Indian fellowship programmes.
5.1.11 Both sides will work towards promoting equal opportunities for both women and men and achieving gender-balance across all pillars.
5.2 Promoting mutual understanding
5.2.1 Promote research on contemporary India in Europe and on the EU in India to help deepen knowledge, inform better decision-making and strengthen public awareness including through establishing a new dedicated Jean Monnet network for India under the Erasmus+ programme.
5.2.2 Create collaborative platforms to pair leading think tanks and academic institutions covering both regions to provide structured opportunities for dialogue with regular high-level participation from both sides in Track 1.5 dialogues, including strengthening the existing Track 1.5 Strategic Dialogue.
5.2.3 Promote two way cultural and language exchanges to increase mutual understanding between the EU and India. Expand initiatives such as Film and Literature Festivals featuring authors, artists, and interactive two-way cultural exchanges.
5.2.4 Strengthen professional expertise on India and the EU through exchanges between early career diplomats and contact between emerging leaders and young professionals.
5.3 Involving business communities
5.3.1 Promote cooperation among business associations focused on the development of trade and investment between the EU and India.
5.3.2 Establish an EU-India Business Forum to meet regularly to provide valuable business perspectives to inform policymaking and deepen industry input across TTC work strands.
5.4 Reinforcing institutional architecture
5.4.1 Endeavour to hold EU-India Summits annually and increase bilateral contacts through new dialogues and on the sidelines of international fora.
5.4.2 Further strengthen the profile and purview of the TTC including through incorporating a business dimension.
5.4.3 Review progress on implementation of this Joint Strategic Agenda through the India-EU TTC for the pillars of prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation and through the India - EU Strategic Dialogue at the Ministerial level for the pillars of security and defence, connectivity and global issues. The Strategic Partnership Review (SPR) meeting could act as the joint implementation committee to monitor progress at senior officials' level and report to the aforesaid ministerial fora.
***
This Joint Agenda creates no financial commitments and establishes no legally binding rights or obligations under domestic or international law. Upon adoption, it supersedes the EU–India Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025.
India-EU Joint Statement on the State Visit of H.E. Mr. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to India, and the 16th India-EU Summit (25–27 January 2026)
1. At the invitation of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, President of the European Council, H.E. Mr. Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, paid a State Visit to India on 25–27 January 2026 as the Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day of India. President Costa and President von der Leyen were accompanied by a high-level delegation including High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Ms. Kaja Kallas and Trade Commissioner Mr. Maroš Šefcovic.
2. This is the first visit by the leaders of the European Union as Guests of Honour for the Republic Day. It symbolises the growing closeness, depth and dynamism in India–EU relations, and their joint commitment and shared interest in shaping a resilient multipolar global order that underpins peace and stability, economic growth and sustainable development. The visit follows the historic visit of the European Union College of Commissioners led by President von der Leyen to India on 27–28 February 2025.
3. The two Leaders were warmly welcomed by Hon'ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. They then travelled together in a ceremonial procession to attend the Republic Day celebrations and witness the parade. For the first time ever, a contingent consisting of representatives from both the European Union Military Staff and the European Union Naval Operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES participated in the Republic Day Parade. President Costa and President von der Leyen joined President Murmu, for an ‘At-Home' reception in Rashtrapati Bhavan. In honour of the visiting dignitaries, President Murmu, hosted a Banquet on 27 January 2026. Earlier that afternoon, Prime Minister Modi also hosted a luncheon in their honour.
4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with President Antonio Costa and President Ursula von der Leyen co-chaired the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi on 27 January 2026 and underlined their commitment to raise the India–EU Strategic Partnership to a higher level based on shared values and principles including democracy, human rights, pluralism, rule of law, and the rules-based international order with the UN at its core. They committed to tackling security threats, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, strengthening economic resilience and security, advancing climate and biodiversity action, and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
5. The leaders also addressed the India–EU Business Forum, attended by CEOs and industry leaders from both sides, where they called for ambitious private sector investments to harness synergies in critical sectors and for new business initiatives to drive closer trade and investment ties.
6. The leaders commended progress on the ‘India-EU Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025'. The two sides reiterated their determination to further reinforce their strategic partnership, delivering tangible benefits for both sides. The Summit took place against the backdrop of the positive momentum in India–EU relations in recent years, and sustained high-level engagement across all domains.
Delivering on the strategic partnership
7. The leaders hailed the successful conclusion of negotiations of the landmark India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This historic deal is a milestone in the India–EU Strategic Partnership that will significantly enhance bilateral trade and investment ties, drive shared prosperity, strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, and support sustainable and inclusive growth.
8. The leaders welcomed the signing of the India–EU Security and Defence Partnership, the first such overarching defence and security framework between the two sides that will deepen ties in the domains of maritime security, defence industry and technology, cyber and hybrid threats, space, and counter-terrorism among others. They also welcomed the launch of negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement that will facilitate the exchange of classified information and pave the way for a stronger cooperation in areas related to security and defence.
Regional and Multilateral co-operation
9. The leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, with the United Nations at its core. They underlined the necessity of comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic, accountable and reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities. They emphasized the World Trade Organization's central role in the multilateral trading system and global trade governance and underlined that meaningful, necessary and comprehensive reform of the WTO is essential to improve its functions so that it is better suited to advance all Members' objectives.
10. The leaders underscored the importance of close cooperation on regional and global security matters, acknowledging that the security and prosperity of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are interconnected.
11. The two sides reiterated their shared commitment to promoting a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS, recognising their respective roles and engagement in the region. The leaders welcomed closer engagement in the region, including the inaugural edition of the forthcoming India-EU Consultations on the Indo-Pacific, in New Delhi. They also looked forward to joint activities in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), and to strengthen cooperation in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) under India's Chairship.
12. On Ukraine, the two sides expressed concern over the ongoing war, which continues to cause immense human suffering and carries global consequences. Both sides will continue to support efforts towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, based on the principles of the UN Charter and of international law, including independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
13. The leaders noted the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 2803 of 17 November 2025 which welcomes the establishment of the Board of Peace and authorizes an International Stabilisation Force, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, as a step forward to end the Gaza conflict. They encouraged all parties to implement the resolution in its entirety, in line with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Both sides restated their readiness to support efforts towards just and durable peace and stressed the need for unhindered humanitarian access. They also called for a just and lasting solution, based on the implementation of the two-State solution, through dialogue and diplomacy.
14. The two sides discussed the recent developments of concern in Iran and the region. They underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving issues in a peaceful manner.
15. The leaders unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism, in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism. They called for decisive and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner and in accordance with international law. They agreed to enhance cooperation to counter radicalisation and violent extremism, combat financing of terrorism, promote internationally agreed anti-money laundering standards, prevent exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, and tackle terrorist recruitment. They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 and the terror incident near Red Fort, New Delhi on 10 November 2025.
Towards 2030: India–EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda
16. The leaders adopted “Towards 2030: India–EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda” to elevate the strategic cooperation between two sides. The Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda is aimed at accelerating progress across five key pillars: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global challenges, as well as enabling factors such as skills, mobility, business and people-to-people ties.
17. In the context of global uncertainty and disruptions, closer economic ties between India and the EU are more important than ever to drive growth, job creation, green transition, industrial development, and more resilient, sustainable and trustworthy supply chains. The leaders of India and the EU are committed to ensure the full implementation of the FTA. Additionally, they tasked their respective teams to complete negotiations, at the earliest opportunity, on an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) and on an Agreement on Geographical Indications (GIs). They committed to work on scaling up bilateral investments and engage in discussion on Blue Valleys to accelerate private sector engagement in strengthening select value chains. They also undertook to work on scaling up investments together in third countries including through trilateral co-operation, drawing upon India and the EU's experience in development assistance, including the EU's Global Gateway Strategy.
18. India and the EU have complementary strengths in the technology domain. Both sides will increase collaboration across the entire value chain, linking enhanced research and innovation to business engagement and market operationalisation. In the current geopolitical environment and amidst global disruptions, they reaffirmed the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), a high-level coordination platform to address key trade, technology and economic security issues, as the cornerstone of their technology partnership and aim to further enhance its work. The two sides will continue to advance together on promoting Digital Public Infrastructure including interoperable standards and exchange of best practices on regulatory frameworks, collaboration in new technologies (including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, digital public infrastructure and 6G) to build cyber-secure, trusted digital ecosystems as well as to advance cooperation in clean tech. They will broaden discussions on economic security, in particular on the resilience of supply chains and research security, underlining the importance of protecting sensitive technologies. Both sides agreed to hold the next TTC ministerial meeting in Brussels in 2026 and to deepen business consultations.
19. The two sides will further strengthen collaboration on emerging technologies, innovation, and research, including by creating EU–India Innovation Hubs and launching an EU–India Startup Partnership. The leaders welcomed the renewal of the India–EU Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation until 2030 and agreed to launch exploratory talks on the association of India to Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation programme. They welcomed the productive discussions at the inaugural India–EU Space Dialogue in Brussels in November 2025.
20. The leaders recognised the increasing incidents of extreme climate events and reaffirmed the importance of the Paris Agreement, the successive Conference of the Parties' (COP) outcomes, and respective Nationally Determined Contributions. They agreed to cooperate closely for their effective implementation and to join forces to raise global action, including by holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. They reaffirmed the importance of the principles of equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances. They commended the International Solar Alliance's (ISA) efforts to provide energy access and install large-scale solar energy capacities in developing countries.
21. The leaders committed to accelerated cooperation in clean transition and energy resilience in the framework of the EU-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership. In this context, they welcomed the creation of the India–EU Task Force on Green Hydrogen, and the announcement of an India-EU Wind Business Summit to be convened in 2026. The signing of the India–EU Administrative Arrangement on Disaster Risk Management will pave the way for enhanced coordination in disaster preparedness and response capacities. Closer engagement of the EU with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) complements this cooperation.
22. The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation on environmental issues, deepening collaboration on circular economy, biodiversity, water resilience and security, and launching Ocean and Fisheries Dialogue. They reaffirmed their commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
23. Geopolitical realities and growing cross-regional security threats call for closer EU–India cooperation. As the two sides strengthen their security and defence capabilities, they will enhance preparedness across domains – from maritime security to hybrid threats, counterterrorism, space security, and transnational crime – while deepening crisis-management engagement and mutually beneficial defence-industry collaboration. India and EU will also engage on the growing challenge of maritime pollution, safety and security of sea farers, and vessels which circumvent compliance to relevant and applicable international maritime regulations, to which they are party.
24. The two sides will work together to improve regional connectivity, upholding high standards while unlocking new commercial opportunities for EU and Indian businesses. The leaders underlined the launch of joint projects under the India-EU Connectivity Partnership supported by Global Gateway and India's MAHASAGAR, the setting up of a regular Aviation Dialogue, and cooperation in the maritime transport sector. They welcomed advances in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), launched during the 2023 G20 New Delhi Summit, and looked forward to the first Ministerial meeting. The two sides will implement trilateral cooperation projects under the India-EU Administrative Arrangement on Trilateral Cooperation, in areas such as energy, climate resilience, green mobility, and digitalisation.
25. The leaders highlighted that education and people-to-people ties have emerged as vital enablers of the India-EU Strategic Partnership. They welcomed the conclusion of the India-EU Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility, in line with the national competences of EU Member States and India and domestic legislation of both Parties. They commended the launch of the first pilot European Legal Gateway Office, as a one-stop hub to provide information and support the movement of workers, starting with the ICT sector. They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration on safe, regular and orderly migration, including through circular pathways, for highly skilled workers, students, researchers, and seasonal workers in shortage occupations, whilst also strengthening cooperation on countering irregular migration, in accordance with national competences and the law of both Parties.
26. Aspiring to deepen educational and academic collaboration, the two sides agreed to launch Education and Skills Dialogue in 2026 to promote skills development, facilitate recognition of qualifications and learning periods abroad, and support systemic collaboration in higher and vocational education.
27. President Costa and President von der Leyen welcomed the holding of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on 19-20 February 2026, and the leaders looked forward to a successful event, re-emphasizing their commitment to outcome-oriented cooperation.
28. The leaders underlined the importance of regular India–EU Summits to take forward the strategic partnership and implement the India-EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda. President Costa and President von der Leyen thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm hospitality and invited him for the 17th India–EU Summit in Brussels at a mutually convenient time next year.
New Delhi
27 January 2026
Speech by President von der Leyen at the EU-India Business Forum
Prime Minister Modi,
Minister Goyal,
Commissioner Šefčovič,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a privilege and a distinct pleasure to be with you today. I very much welcome this opportunity to hear your contributions. This is indeed a momentous day for the EU-India relationship, especially from an economic and business perspective. Because the business sector is key to relations between Europe and India. At this moment, strong partnerships have never been more important. And one thing is clear: India and Europe are trusted and reliable strategic partners. We stand together. United in our commitment to help our businesses endure, thrive and grow. To reduce our strategic dependencies. And to realise the incredible potential of our economic relationship.
This brings me to my first point. Today, Prime Minister Modi and I have concluded the Free Trade Agreement negotiations between Europe and India. Together, Europe and India are creating the world's largest trading zones. The FTA between Europe and India is a clear strategic choice. A choice for certainty and predictability in an uncertain world. This FTA will give businesses what they value most: clear rules, stable market access, and long-term confidence to invest. It signals that Europe and India are choosing cooperation over fragmentation, and partnership over uncertainty. Because our FTA ushers in a new era. It unites two of the world's largest economies. That is a market of 2 billion people - a quarter of global GDP. It brings lower tariffs and export duties, and simplified customs procedures. European companies already employ more than 3 million people in India. And Indian firms are investing more and more in Europe. In ten years, goods traded between Europe and India have almost doubled to 120 billion EUR. Now the FTA will unleash even more potential and combine our strengths to create even greater levels of growth. And that is just the beginning.
This is my second point. Trade connects economies, but investment anchors them. Deeper investment is what truly strengthens our economic relationship. Investment builds long-term partnerships, jobs, and resilience. So, I want our FTA to be a platform not only for more trade, but also for more investment. European companies are ready to invest more in India. Like the EUR 1.1 billion investment for solar projects, led by EDF Renewables. Or the long-awaited opening of IKEA's first store in India, right here in Delhi. But I know that we can do so much more. So, I welcome the continued discussions on market access, finances, and investments. To deepen this framework beyond trade, Prime Minister Modi and I have asked our teams to complete negotiations on Investment Protection and Geographical Indications. I am confident we can make progress to provide a secure framework for two-way investment.
My third point concerns safe and reliable supply chains. We all understand the need to reduce dependencies and increase diversification. So, we are focusing on specific strategic industries and critical technologies. Like advanced components, where our new Semiconductor Agreement will be key. Creating alternative supply chains creates major opportunities. And today I can introduce a new initiative called Blue Valleys. These are designed to boost industrial cooperation in strategic sectors, by connecting business, regulators and investors. They will help to remove barriers, mobilise investment, and scale up joint industrial capacity. Each Blue Valley will focus on a specific sector, like clean tech or machinery, at a specific location in India. European and Indian businesses will be encouraged to form partnerships inside the Blue Valley. So, the goal is to foster more business-to-business relationships. And further integrate each other's value chains. This concept is ideal for sectors where Europe and India are active on both supply and demand side. A small but very successful pilot project was tested in Assam. And now we will expand this to larger-scale projects in other parts of India, in areas like solar invertors and electrolysers.
This brings me to my final point. The clean transition has huge dividends for those who lead it. Including lower energy prices and increased competitiveness. To harness this potential, boost investment and foster business, we will host a Wind Business Summit this year. And our Task Force on Green Hydrogen will drive innovation and play a key role in decarbonisation. We want to unite with India on this new frontier. Because I am confident that Europe and India can lead on clean tech.
There is an Indian quote which I like: Wisdom grows through listening. This is what we did here today, and what we should do in future. Thank you for showing how we can make our relationship even stronger and deeper. I very much look forward to seeing the full potential of the FTA brought to life by our businesses.
Thank you very much.
Statement by President von der Leyen with President Costa and Indian Prime Minister Modi
Dear Prime Minister Modi, distinguished friend,
António, my friend,
Ministers, especially Jaishankar and Goyal,
Vice-President Kallas,
Friends,
Thank you very much for the exceptional hospitality. It was such an honour for us to be your chief guests at the Republic Day celebrations yesterday. This is a memory I will carry for a lifetime. Because the sense of communion was so powerful. People filled the streets, united in the pride and joy of belonging to the Indian nation. And rightfully so. India has risen. And Europe is truly glad about it. Because when India succeeds, the world is more stable, more prosperous, and more secure. And we all benefit.
Prime Minister Modi, dear friend,
One year ago, the full College of EU Commissioners came to India. This is also a very special memory for me. It showed the seriousness of our intent. And the strength of our commitment. Today, we reap the fruits of that commitment, with our historic Summit. Let me start with trade.
Prime Minister, distinguished friend,
We did it. We have delivered the mother of all deals. We are creating a market of 2 billion people. This is a tale of two giants – the world's second- and fourth-largest economies. Two giants who choose partnership, in a true win-win fashion. A strong message that cooperation is the best answer to global challenges. This trade deal will integrate further our supply chains and strengthen our joint manufacturing power. It will cut up to EUR 4 billion in annual tariffs for exporters of all sizes. And it will create good jobs for millions of workers – here in India and in Europe. At the same time, this agreement will build on the natural complementarity of our economies.
It brings together India's skills, services and scale, with Europe's technology, capital and innovation. It will create levels of growth that neither side can achieve alone. And by combining these strengths, we reduce strategic dependencies, at a time when trade is increasingly weaponised. We will discuss this and more at our first EU-India Business Forum later today. I want to offer a special word of thanks to the people who worked so hard to make this day a reality. Starting with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and his counterpart, India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. You have done outstanding work. This is historic, and it would not have been possible without you. I also want to pay tribute to their colleagues Sabine Weyand and Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. Many others made vital contributions. I congratulate you all – the hard work was worth it.
Prime Minister Modi, distinguished friend,
We are not only making our economies stronger. We are also delivering security for our people in an increasingly insecure world. Today, the world's two largest economies and democracies launch their first ever security and defence partnership. This is a landmark departure. And a trust-based platform for cooperation on the strategic issues that matter most. In so doing, we will help to build each other's resilience. Europe and India have a long history of cooperation in the defence industry. Now, we will enhance this teamwork even further. We will deepen our cooperation on maritime security. For example, joint naval exercises to tackle piracy. And we will step up our work on countering cyber and hybrid threats, which are getting more sophisticated by the day. Our partnership includes a dedicated dialogue on space security, from situational awareness to secure connectivity and stronger cooperation on counterterrorism. Finally, we are launching negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement. Europe and India have chosen to be reliable partners for one another. And this is how we demonstrate the trust we share.
I want to turn now to innovation. Because here too we share core values. The freedom of research and science is paramount for us. Europe and India will always choose science. We will always choose progress, the way forward. We will choose technology at the service of our people. It is part of who we are. And our cooperation on human-centric, trustworthy AI is one of the best examples. So today, I am glad to announce that we are working on India's association with Horizon Europe. Backed by funding firepower of EUR 100 billion, Horizon is the world's largest public research programme. I cannot wait for our best talents to get to work to advance health, clean energy, and frontier technologies, just to name some. We will set up EU-India Innovation Hubs. This will help researchers and start-ups to collaborate on next-gen technology. We are also launching an EU-India Startup Partnership to boost co-creation, and high-potential ventures.
Finally, Prime Minister Modi, dear Narendra,
We both know: Our greatest wealth is our people. That is why I am glad that we are signing an agreement on mobility. We will facilitate the movement of students, researchers, seasonal and highly skilled workers. This is also why we are launching the first EU Legal Gateway Office in India. It will be a one-stop hub to support Indian talent moving to Europe, in full alignment with EU Member States' needs and policies. This is good for our economies. This is good for the friendship between our people. This openness benefits us all.
As we conclude this 16th Summit, let me reflect on another event of deep meaning. Two weeks ago, India marked Makar Sankranti. It is the beginning of Uttarayan, the sun's northward journey. From darkness to light. From stillness to growth. From what was to what can be. That is what makes our Summit so unique and timely. The time is ripe for renewal. For fresh momentum. And for opening a new chapter in EU-India friendship. And this is exactly what we have achieved today, together.
16th EU-India Summit: advancing our Strategic Partnership across trade and defence
Today, the European Union and India are holding their 16th EU-India Summit in New Delhi, opening a whole new chapter in the EU-India Strategic Partnership. The successful conclusion of an EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the launch of an EU-India Security and Defence Partnership underline the potential and determination of both partners to shape one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.
As guests of honour, Presidents von der Leyen and Costa attended India's 77th Republic Day Parade celebrations on 26 January. This marks the first time leaders of the European Union participate in the event, underscoring the deepening of EU–India relations.
President von der Leyen said: ”In this increasingly volatile world, Europe chooses cooperation and strategic partnerships. Today, we have signed the EU-India Free Trade Agreement – the mother of all trade deals. We are opening an incredible market for seamless trade, investments and drastic reduction in tariffs for two billion people. And our Security and Defence Partnership will increase our resilience against all forms of threats. Today, we move forward together, committed to our truly transformative partnership.”
Presidents von der Leyen and Costa mark the conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), one of the largest agreements of its kind globally. The FTA substantially reduces tariff and non-tariff barriers, cutting €4 billion in tariffs for exporters of all sizes and unlocking significant trade and investment opportunities. Currently, 6,000 European companies operate in India – a figure that is set to increase under the new agreement. By combining improved market access with clear, simple, predictable and enforceable rules, including robust sustainable development provisions, the agreement supports more integrated supply chains, trade diversification and new export opportunities for Indian and European businesses. Together, the EU and India leverage their strengths and reinforce their joint economic security. A dedicated press release on the EU-India FTA is available here.
On the margins of the Summit, President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Modi participate in the first ever EU-India Business Forum, engaging with business leaders to deepen private-sector engagement and advance shared economic priorities.
The Summit sees the signature of the EU–India Security and Defence Partnership. The partnership enables closer cooperation and joint initiatives on shared priorities such as maritime security, non-proliferation and disarmament, space, countering cyber and hybrid threats, and counterterrorism. Under this partnership, the EU and India strengthen defence industrial cooperation and advance alignment on defence initiatives.
Leaders launch the negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement to enable the exchange of classified information, in line with the security interests of the EU and its Member States, paving the way for India's participation in EU security and defence initiatives in line with EU Treaty-based frameworks.
The EU and India further strengthen collaboration on emerging and critical technologies, innovation, and research, including by creating EU–India Innovation Hubs and launching an EU–India Startup Partnership. In addition, leaders renew the EU-India Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation until 2030 and launch exploratory talks on the association of India to Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research and innovation programme.
In addition, an EU–India Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility, adopted as a memorandum of understanding in parallel with the finalisation of the FTA, offers an excellent opportunity for us to cooperate on facilitating labour mobility, supporting skills development and capacity building, and working on skills and qualification frameworks. This cooperation framework will facilitate the mobility of skilled workers, young professionals and seasonal works in shortage sectors, while promoting research and innovation. It will also be supported by a European Legal Gateway Office in India, which is the first of its kind. The Office will help Indian workers, students, and researchers find out about opportunities in Europe, starting with the ICT sector with the aim of expanding it further in the future. The endorsement of a high-level EU–India Education and Skills Dialogue further supports these objectives by strengthening cooperation on skills, qualifications and recognition, and to facilitate the flow of talent.
At the Summit, leaders endorse the ‘Towards 2030: EU-India Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda', which guides cooperation on prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity, global issues, and people-to-people cooperation. It is also set to deliver a number of key outcomes.
The Summit allows the EU and India to reaffirm the intention to join forces to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and to enhance cooperation on environmental issues, the clean transition, energy resilience and circular economy, including the launch of a Green Hydrogen Task Force, in the framework of the EU-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership.
The leaders also advance quality connectivity from Europe to the Indo-Pacific, including a Global Gateway Green Shipping Corridors and hubs (GGGSCH), with a regional workshop to take place in India in 2026. The EU and India also foster their trilateral cooperation in third countries across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific to advance clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, digital connectivity and resilience.
Looking ahead, the Summit is followed on 6-7 February by the India-EU Forum, a premier Track 1.5 platform convening senior policymakers, industry leaders, experts and think tanks from all 27 EU Member States and India, to build trust and foster concrete initiatives for strategic cooperation.
The European Union and India are natural strategic partners. Converging interests in prosperity, security and defence, resilience and multilateral values call for a more ambitious partnership. A partnership that delivers tangible benefits for citizens and shapes outcomes for both parties and their wider regions, including the Indo-Pacific. India is a crucial partner for the EU, and together both share the capacity and the responsibility to safeguard the rules-based international order.
On 17 September 2025, the European Commission unveiled a Joint Communication on a New Strategic EU-India Agenda, setting out a comprehensive strategic agenda that deepens, broadens and better coordinates EU-India cooperation. In October 2025, the Council endorsed the new strategic and its objective of further strengthening EU-India ties.
For More Information
Joint Statement
Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda
Statement by President von der Leyen
Factsheet on EU-India Relations
Factsheet on 16th EU-India Summit
In this increasingly volatile world, Europe chooses cooperation and strategic partnerships. Today, we have signed the EU-India Free Trade Agreement – the mother of all trade deals. We are opening an incredible market for seamless trade, investments and drastic reduction in tariffs for two billion people. And our Security and Defence Partnership will increase our resilience against all forms of threats. Today, we move forward together, committed to our truly transformative partnership.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
EU and India conclude landmark Free Trade Agreement
The EU and India concluded negotiations today for a historic, ambitious and commercially significant free trade agreement (FTA), the largest such deal ever concluded by either side. It will strengthen economic and political ties between the world's second and fourth largest economies, at a time of rising geopolitical tensions and global economic challenges, highlighting their joint commitment to economic openness and rules-based trade.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “The EU and India make history today, deepening the partnership between the world's biggest democracies. We have created a free trade zone of 2 billion people, with both sides set to gain economically. We have sent a signal to the world that rules-based cooperation still delivers great outcomes. And, best of all, this is only the start - we will build on this success, and grow our relationship to be even stronger.”
The EU and India already trade over €180 billion worth of goods and services per year, supporting close to 800,000 EU jobs. This deal is expected to double EU goods exports to India by 2032 by eliminating or reducing tariffs in value of 96.6% of EU goods exports to India. Overall, the tariff reductions will save around €4 billion per year in duties on European products.
This is the most ambitious trade opening that India has ever granted to a trade partner. It will give a significant competitive advantage for key EU industrial and agri-food sectors, granting companies privileged access to the world's most populous country of 1.45 billion people and fastest growing large economy, with an annual GDP of €3.4 trillion.
Opportunities for European businesses of all sizes
India will grant the EU tariff reductions that none of its other trading partners have received. For example, tariffs on cars are gradually going down from 110% to as low as 10%, while they will be fully abolished for car parts after five to ten years. Tariffs ranging up to 44% on machinery, 22% on chemicals and 11% on pharmaceuticals will also be mostly eliminated.
A dedicated chapter will also help small EU businesses take full advantage of the new export opportunities. For instance, both sides will put in place dedicated contact points to provide SMEs with relevant information on the FTA and help them with any specific issue they would face when trying to use the FTA's provisions. In addition to this, SMEs will particularly benefit from the tariff reductions, removal of regulatory barriers, transparency, stability and predictability provided by the Agreement.
Reducing agri-food tariffs
The agreement removes or reduces often prohibitive tariffs (over 36% on average) on EU exports of agri-food products, opening a massive market to European farmers. For example, Indian tariffs on wines will be cut from 150% to 75% at entry into force and eventually to levels as low as 20%, tariffs on olive oil will go down from 45% to 0% over five years, while processed agricultural products such as bread and confectionary will see tariffs of up to 50% eliminated.
Sensitive European agricultural sectors will be fully protected, as products such as beef, chicken meat, rice and sugar are excluded from liberalisation in the agreement. All Indian imports will continue to have to respect the EU's strict health and food safety rules.
In parallel, the EU and India are currently negotiating a separate agreement on Geographical Indications (GIs), which will help traditional iconic EU farming products sell more in India, by removing unfair competition in the form of imitations.
Privileged access to services markets and protected Intellectual Property
The agreement will grant EU companies privileged access to the Indian services market, including key sectors such as financial services and maritime transport. It has the most ambitious commitments on financial services by India in any trade agreement, going beyond what they have given to other partners.
The agreement provides a high level of protection and enforcement of Intellectual Property (IP) rights, including copyright, trademarks, designs, trade secrets and plant variety rights. It builds upon existing international IP treaties and brings Indian and EU intellectual property laws closer. This will make it easier for EU and Indian businesses that rely on IP to trade and invest in each other's markets.
Enhancing sustainability commitments
The agreement has a dedicated trade and sustainable development chapter, which enhances environmental protection and addresses climate change, protects workers' rights, supports women's empowerment, provides for a platform for dialogue and cooperation on trade related environmental and climate issues and ensures effective implementation.
The EU and India will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding that intends to establish an EU-India platform for cooperation and support on climate action. The platform will be launched in the first half of 2026. Furthermore, subject to the EU's budgetary and financial rules and procedures, €500 million in EU support over the next two years is envisaged to help India's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate its long-term sustainable industrial transformation.
On the EU side, the negotiated draft texts will be published shortly. The texts will go through legal revision and translation into all official EU languages. The Commission will then put forward its proposal to the Council for the signature and conclusion of the agreement. Once adopted by the Council, the EU and India can sign the agreements. Following the signature, the agreement requires the European Parliament's consent, and the Council's decision on conclusion for it to enter into force. Once India also ratifies the Agreement, it can enter into force.
The EU and India had first launched negotiations for a free trade agreement in 2007. The talks were suspended in 2013 and then relaunched in 2022. The 14th and last formal negotiating round took place in October 2025, followed by intersessional discussions at technical and political level.
At the same time as FTA negotiations were relaunched, the EU and India also launched negotiations for a Geographical Indications Agreement and an Investment Protection Agreement. Negotiations for these agreements are still ongoing.
Trade relations with India
Questions and answers
Factsheet on the key benefits
Factsheet on the Agri-food exports
Memo
The EU and India make history today, deepening the partnership between the world’s biggest democracies. We have created a free trade zone of 2 billion people, with both sides set to gain economically. We have sent a signal to the world that rules-based cooperation still delivers great outcomes. And, best of all, this is only the start - we will build on this success, and grow our relationship to be even stronger.
After a year of tireless engagement and more than a decade in the making, we have delivered the biggest FTA ever – a deal like no other. High tariffs down, opportunity unleashed. It proves that hard work pays off, that win-win trade is real, and that genuine partnership – including with my counterpart, Minister Piyush Goyal – is always worth the effort. Now, our focus is clear: ensuring businesses reap tangible benefits from this FTA as quickly as possible.
Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency
Thanks to this historic trade agreement, the markets of nearly 2 billion people are joined together. Our agri-food exports to India have so far been held back by extremely high tariffs. Under this agreement European wines, spirits, beers, olive oil, confectionary, and other products will enjoy preferential access to the rapidly growing Indian market. Front and centre to these negotiations, was maximizing new opportunities for our unmatched European products, while protecting European farmers. That is why the tariffs on the most sensitive products such as beef, sugar, ethanol, rice and poultry will remain in place. As in any trade agreement, our high food safety standards are fully maintained. The safety of EU consumers is non-negotiable.
Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food