Global Gateway

EU investments worldwide

The Global Gateway is an umbrella term for the EU strategy created to boost smart, clean and secure connections in the digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world.

The EU's original aim was to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments worldwide between 2021 and 2027. In October 2025 the Commission announced that this target had been met, and set a new objective of mobilising €400 billion in investments by 2027.

Principles and values

6 core principles are at the heart of Global Gateway, guiding the investments:

democratic values and high standards

good governance and transparency

equal partnerships

green and clean

security focused

catalysing the private sector

Global Gateway is the EU's contribution to narrowing the global investment gap worldwide. It is in line with:

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Paris Agreement on climate change

Through the Global Gateway, the EU cooperates with the G7 via the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).

To support partner countries, the EU relies on a range of financial and budgetary tools under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI). A key component of this framework is the External Action Guarantee (EAG), which helps mobilise public and private investment while reducing financial risks and is a central delivery tool for Global Gateway projects.

On 30 March 2026, the Council adopted targeted amendments to increase the efficiency of EAG. The updated rules will simplify some of the procedures and allow for more flexible use of resources, thereby strengthening the EU's capacity to:

support investment while better managing financial risks
act as a reliable and strategic global partner

Flagship projects

In December 2025 EU member states endorsed the list of flagship projects for 2026, which covers 256 initiatives.

Projects chosen as flagships by the ambassadors of EU member states are prominent examples of Global Gateway deliverables in the areas of digital, climate and energy, transport, health, education and research.

This selection of key initiatives showcases the comprehensive support the EU and its member states offer to partners across the globe, highlighting the sectors in which activities are carried out, as well as the countries and regions concerned. In so doing, they also help strengthen the EU's strategic partnerships and advance shared interests.

Unlike previous years, the 2026 list does not introduce new projects. Instead it consolidates and streamlines the existing portfolio of flagship projects to better showcase the impact of the Global Gateway, and to facilitate a more effective monitoring of its progress.

The flagship list is not exhaustive in relation to all projects and activities under the Global Gateway, but aims to serve as a tool for the EU and its member states to advance strategic communication and visibility in the EU’s engagement with its partners and bring tangible benefits to local communities.

The selection is carried out in line with Global Gateway governance and takes into account input from the Commission, the European External Action Service and the member states. Once a project is added to the list it remains a flagship project until completion.

In June 2026, the Council adopted conclusions on Global Gateway, reaffirming it as the EU's worldwide investment strategy for building mutually beneficial partnerships and mobilising public and private resources to bridge the global investment gap. The Council also stresses its commitment to advance Global Gateway as a core element of the EU's external action.