The European Union (EU) is one of the largest trading and development partners of ECOWAS. The now 27-member body (after Brexit) is a political and economic union founded in 1993 with the Maastricht declaration. The EU was originally created in 1958 as an European Economic Community with 6 countries (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, France and Luxembourg)

The goals of the EU as contained in the Lisbon Treat and the EU Charter of fundamental right include the promotion of peace, value and the overall well-being of its citizens; offer freedom, security and justice without internal borders; and to “enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion and solidarity among EU Countries.”

The EU has been supporting ECOWAS both financially and technically on a number of projects and programs through the European Development Fund (EDF). The EU is and its Member States play a lead role in development cooperation and trade in ECOWAS region.

The second EU-ECOWAS ministerial meeting held in 2001, following the first of such meeting in 2000, further cemented the relationship, cooperation and partnership between the EU and ECOWAS.

Visit the EU website for more information