EU Unveils €180 Million Support Package for DRC to Boost Peace, Sustainability, and Responsible Mining
European Union Pledges €180 Million to Strengthen Peace and Responsible Mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo under Global Gateway Initiative
Brussels, Belgium — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday a €180 million funding package for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aimed at promoting peace, regional integration, and sustainable development.
The investment forms part of the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, which focuses on building resilient and equitable partnerships with Africa.
In a statement shared on her X account (formerly Twitter), von der Leyen commended the stabilization efforts in eastern DRC, crediting U.S. diplomatic involvement for recent progress. She reaffirmed the European Union’s long-term commitment to supporting peace and prosperity in the region.
“Together with the African Union, we want to help make this progress sustainable — through stronger regional integration in Central Africa, backed by Global Gateway investments,” she said.
According to the European Commission, the funding will target several key sectors:
Energy infrastructure and access
Transport development to improve regional connectivity
Biodiversity protection
Promotion of environmentally and socially responsible mining
These investments align with the DRC’s strategic importance as a global supplier of critical minerals — essential for the clean energy transition and green technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable power systems.
The initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to building fair, sustainable, and mutually beneficial partnerships across Africa, moving away from traditional extractive models toward value-driven cooperation that supports inclusive growth and stability.
For Kinshasa, the announcement reinforces President Félix Tshisekedi’s diplomatic vision, which prioritizes international collaboration centered on peace, investment, and shared development.
This European support package represents a vote of confidence in the DRC’s future, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping an integrated and prosperous Central Africa.
