Strengthening the EU–Mongolia Partnership

ULAANBAATAR - Following a landmark Europe Day celebration in Darkhan city - the first time the annual event reached beyond Ulaanbaatar. Ambassadors and representatives of 21 EU Member States carried that momentum into the Mongolian capital, holding an intensive programme of high-level meetings on 25 and 26 May 2026.

The visits spanned parliament, the cabinet, key ministries, the business community, and international partners, with discussions following a common thread: how to deepen and broaden what the EU and Mongolia are building together. Democratic governance, green transition, sustainable development, and economic partnership - these are not separate agendas. They reflect a relationship that has grown in scope and ambition over many years.

25 May 2026: Parliamentary and Ministerial Engagements

Meeting with Speaker of Parliament H.E. Mr Byambatsogt Sandag

Speaker Byambatsogt welcomed the Ambassadors and congratulated the EU on holding Europe Day in Darkhan city, Darkhan-Uul province for the first time. He underlined the importance of legislative cooperation in broadening bilateral ties across all sectors, noting that the Parliament of Mongolia (State Great Khural) maintains 19 active friendship groups with EU Member States and EU institutions.

The Speaker outlined his vision for a "Good Parliament" focused on strengthening parliamentary democracy, ensuring public participation in the legislative process, and restoring public trust. He expressed keen interest in learning from EU and Member State experience in open and transparent lawmaking, and in cooperating on legislative responses to disinformation - an issue he identified as a growing global challenge.

Speaker Byambatsogt also raised the situation of approximately 65,000 Mongolian citizens currently living, studying, and working in EU Member States, calling for eased visa conditions and a more balanced trade relationship. Ambassador Ina Marčiulionytė, speaking on behalf of the EU, highlighted cooperation priorities including support ahead of Mongolia's upcoming elections - particularly on disinformation resilience and cybersecurity, and noted the EU's strong interest in advancing the Forestry Law and achieving concrete outcomes at UNCCD COP17. She also raised investment climate challenges, including the need for progress on international arbitration frameworks.

EUMS Ambassadors meet with Speaker of Parliament Mr. Byambatsogt Sandag

21 EU Member State Ambassadors and Representatives

Ambassadors meet with Speaker of Parliament

EUMS Ambassadors and Representatives

"Mongolia has trusted partners in the European Union, and visits like this are how we make that partnership real." - Ambassador of the European Union to Mongolia, H.E. Ina Marciulionyte.

Further meetings on 25 May included:

• Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr Dorjkhand Togmid - investment climate and legal reforms

• Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry H.E. Mr Damdinnyam Gongor - industry and mining sector policies

• Minister of Environment and Climate Change H.E. Mr Sandag-Ochir - climate action, forestry, and COP17 preparations

• Deputy Minister of Economy and Development H.E. Ms Davaasuren Sodnomdarjaa- Mongolia's broader development agenda and flagship projects

High-level meetings at MFA

Meetings at MFA

Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Mr. T. Dorjkhand

26 May 2026: Energy, Transport, Trade, and Human Rights

On the second day, Ambassadors met with Minister of Energy H.E. Mr Naidalaa Badrakh, who briefed the delegation on energy sector reforms and policy priorities. Minister of Road and Transportation H.E. Mr Delgersaikhan Borkhuu outlined goals for the transport and logistics sector and areas for further international cooperation.

The Presidential Advisor on Projects, Programmes, and Civil Society Policy, Ms Javkhlan Bayarsaikhan, presented national movements initiated by the President of Mongolia, including the "White Gold" national movement and their ongoing implementation. The National Human Rights Commission, led by Chief Commissioner Dr D.Sunjid, provided an overview of the human rights situation and related policy developments in Mongolia.

Advisor to President of Mongolia, Ms. B. Javkhlan

High-level Meetings at MFA

High-level Meetings at MFA

EU-Mongolia Trade Day 2026

Also on 26 May, EU Member State Ambassadors participated in EU Trade Day 2026, held at the Grand Hall of the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI). Organised under the theme "Cooperation - Innovation - Diversification", the event brought together government, business, and diplomatic representatives to discuss trade cooperation, export promotion, and investment opportunities.

The event was hosted by the EU-funded Improving Trade Development in Mongolia (ITDM) project, which supports Mongolian exporters in accessing European markets, including through the REX (Registered Exporter) system, enabling 240 domestic companies to benefit from EU customs preferences. The EU-funded SOCIEUX+ project also contributed to the programme, supporting Mongolian businesses in meeting European market standards through training and advisory services on responsible business practices and human rights due diligence.

Ambassadors also held a working lunch with EuroChamber Mongolia and business representatives, focused on investment opportunities, the business environment, and deepening private sector cooperation.

EU Trade Day at MNCCI

Opening Remarks at EU Trade Day, MNCCI

EU Trade Day, MNCCI

Partnership with the UN and International Financial Institutions

Alongside the government and business engagements, EU Heads of Mission met with UN Resident Coordinator Jaap van Hierden, EBRD Head of Mongolia Jahan Shamsiev, and World Bank representatives. Together, partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to Mongolia's sustainable development and explored ways to keep strengthening it.