top of page

EU Elevates Global Connectivity Strategy as Kaja Kallas Outlines Partnership Vision at Brussels Forum

  • Writer: News Desk
    News Desk
  • Oct 10
  • 2 min read

The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas presented the EU's strategic approach to global partnerships at the Global Gateway Forum 2025 in Brussels, emphasizing connectivity as a pathway to security and prosperity amid growing geopolitical challenges.​​


Investment Targets Surpass Initial Projections

The Global Gateway initiative has exceeded its initial ambitions, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announcing that the program has mobilized over €306 billion in just four years, surpassing the original €300 billion target set for 2027. The EU now aims to reach €400 billion by 2027, reflecting increased international demand for European partnerships.​


"As President von der Leyen announced this morning, Global Gateway has already overshot the €300 billion target by 2027. The EU now aims at €400 billion by 2027," Kallas stated in her address to the assembled heads of state and government.​


Connectivity as Strategic Foundation

EU's Connectivity Strategy

Kallas positioned connectivity as the cornerstone of the EU's approach to international partnerships, drawing on the European integration experience. "After all, the EU is the world's most successful connectivity project," she emphasized, noting how seven successive EU enlargements have led to market integration, expanded transport networks, and strengthened citizen and business connections.​​


The High Representative outlined several major connectivity projects already underway through Global Gateway, including digital connectivity via Medusa and Blue Raman submarine cables in the Mediterranean, a new supercomputing network for artificial intelligence in Latin America, and a trade corridor linking Mumbai with Marseille.​​


Healthcare Resilience and Regional Development

Addressing pandemic preparedness, Kallas highlighted the EU's commitment to building healthcare resilience in partner countries, particularly in Africa. "No country today, let alone a continent, should still be importing 99% of its vaccines or 90% of its medicines," she stated, outlining EU support for local vaccine and medicine manufacturing.​​


The High Representative suggested that future medical breakthroughs could emerge from these partnerships: "A new vaccine for malaria or tuberculosis could easily be born on the African continent, counting on European support".​​


Strategic Partnership Selection

Kallas articulated a selective approach to partnerships, emphasizing alignment with EU values and long-term objectives. "Our resources are scarce and we want to use them to build strong partnerships who share our vision for more resilient and better future," she explained.​​


Drawing from her extensive engagement with Southeast Asia, where she has visited three times in 2025, Kallas noted regional integration demands and positioned the EU as uniquely qualified to support such initiatives, particularly the ASEAN regional power grid development.​​


Economic Alignment and Local Benefits

The High Representative emphasized that Global Gateway projects must create mutual benefits while supporting local communities. "Global Gateway is not a tool to feed our competitors' companies and business interests," she stated, clarifying that the initiative represents "a business and investment offer to our partners, where our interests have to match".​​


Kallas outlined the program's objectives to create sustainable transport corridors, develop shock-resistant markets, ensure energy security, provide access to critical raw materials, and support conflict prevention through improved mobility infrastructure.​​


Alternative Development Model

Positioning Global Gateway as Europe's distinctive approach to international development, Kallas concluded that the initiative represents "Europe's brand in the world. An alternative offer" focused on shared growth rather than self-interest.

 

Comments


bottom of page