JOINT PRESS COMMUNIQUÉ Second Mauritius–EU Partnership Dialogue: Strengthening Cooperation and Delivering Tangible Outcomes

The Dialogue provided an opportunity to review progress since the inaugural meeting in April 2025, exchange views on regional and international developments, and identify practical avenues for strengthening the longstanding partnership between Mauritius and the European
Union.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, the United Nations Charter, international law and a rules-based international order, with respect to sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. They expressed concern over ongoing international conflicts and their implications for global economic stability, energy and food security, supply chains and the cost of living, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). They reiterated the need for a meaningful reform of the UN Security Council for making it more inclusive, transparent, democratic and accountable.

Economic cooperation, trade and investment featured prominently in the discussions. Mauritius and the EU welcomed the progress towards the signature and implementation of the Deepened Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), following the political conclusion of negotiations in June 2026. Both sides agreed to advance preparations for the first EU-ESA5 Regional Business and Investment Forum, to be held in Mauritius in 2027, with a view to strengthening business-to-business engagement, facilitating investor matchmaking and promoting trade, investment and joint ventures between European and Eastern and Southern African enterprises.

The two sides also discussed opportunities under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative to support Mauritius’ sustainable development priorities. Potential areas of cooperation include water resources management, renewable energy, coastal protection, and the modernisation of Rodrigues Airport. The EU further expressed its readiness to support the development of Port Louis Harbour, building on a technical study funded by the EU and submitted to the Government of Mauritius.

On maritime security and ocean governance, both sides reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation in accordance with international law and their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean. They agreed on the need to intensify efforts to combat piracy, drug trafficking, human trafficking and other illicit maritime activities, while strengthening maritime domain awareness and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. The EU welcomed Mauritius’ intention to host a ministerial meeting on maritime security, cybercrime and submarine cable security, and expressed its readiness to support its organisation. Mauritius also agreed to join the EU’s “Pledge for Maintaining the Integrity of the International Law of the Sea - No Fees/No Tolls”, reaffirming the importance of preserving the integrity of the international law of the sea and freedom of navigation.

On sustainable fisheries, both sides welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations on a new Protocol under the EU-Mauritius Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA). They expressed their intention to proceed towards its signature to allow for an uninterrupted flow of operations. The new Protocol is expected to support sustainable fisheries management, strengthen monitoring and control, combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and contribute to the development of Mauritius’ seafood sector and the livelihoods of artisanal fishers. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation within regional fisheries management organisations, including the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement, and to the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

The Dialogue further addressed financial governance and sustainable finance. Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, enhancing tax transparency and preparing for the forthcoming regional evaluation. Both sides agreed to examine the establishment of a dedicated, structured dialogue on AML/CFT and took note of progress under the ongoing EU technical assistance programme.

They also exchanged views on opportunities to promote sustainable finance and mobilise investment for climate resilience and inclusive development. They also recognised the importance of accessible climate finance and technical assistance to address the particular vulnerabilities of SIDS.

On regional cooperation, Mauritius and the EU welcomed ongoing collaboration with Réunion Island in areas including economic development, environmental protection, scientific research and regional security. They noted progress under the Commission Mixte Maurice-Réunion and the recent meeting of the Groupe de Contact Maurice–Réunion on security, which reinforced cooperation against cross-border crime, particularly illicit drug trafficking.

The Dialogue also covered justice, drug control, social issues, education and research. Both sides discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation against drug abuse and trafficking, improve information-sharing and capacity-building. Mauritius and the EU also agreed to further promote Mauritius’ participation in Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes, expanding opportunities for academic mobility, research collaboration, innovation and skills development.

The EU highlighted the conclusion of the selection process for five civil society organisations working on environmental protection, gender-based violence and the fight against drug abuse for an overall amount of €1.9 million.

Key outcomes

The Second Mauritius-EU Partnership Dialogue delivered important milestones and identified
practical areas for continued cooperation, notably:

• Trade and investment: Organisation of the first EU–ESA5 Regional Business and Investment Forum in Mauritius in 2027.

• Sustainable fisheries: Conclusion of negotiations on a new SFPA Protocol, ahead of its signature by end of 2026.

• Maritime security: Mauritius’ commitment to join the EU’s No Fees/No Tolls pledge and EU support for the proposed ministerial meeting on maritime security, cybercrime and submarine cable security.

• Global Gateway: Further exploration of investment and financing opportunities in national priorities such as water, energy, environmental protection and connectivity projects.

• Financial integrity: Examination of a dedicated Mauritius–EU dialogue on AML/CFT, alongside continued technical assistance as envisaged under the Samoa Agreement.

• People-to-people cooperation: Further promotion of Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and youth and civil society engagement.

Both sides reaffirmed their determination to maintain regular political dialogue, strengthen institutional coordination and ensure effective follow-up to the commitments and priorities identified. They expressed confidence that closer cooperation under the Samoa Agreement and
related regional and bilateral frameworks would deliver tangible benefits for the people of Mauritius and the people of the Member States of the European Union, while contributing to sustainable development, regional stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean.