KRG – EU cooperation moved forward this week after high-level talks in Brussels. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the European Union agreed to expand political and humanitarian collaboration. A senior EU official described the Kurdistan Region as “the most stable area in Iraq,” reinforcing the importance of deeper ties.
The meeting took place on December 9 at the European External Action Service (EEAS). The KRG delegation included Dr. Dindar Zebari and Dr. Dilawar Ajgeiy. They met EU envoy Kajsa Hildur Ollongren to discuss expanding KRG–EU cooperation.
According to the KRG team, Ollongren praised the successful parliamentary elections. She also welcomed ongoing talks between Erbil and Baghdad. She referred to the Kurdistan Region as “exemplary partner” and expressed the EU’s readiness to boost KRG–EU cooperation in political, humanitarian, and governance sectors.
Zebari outlined progress in human rights and public institutions. He noted that women now hold 30% of parliamentary seats and more than 69 judicial positions. Hundreds also serve in the police force. He emphasized the KRG’s enforcement of the law against domestic violence and reaffirmed its moratorium on the death penalty. These steps, he said, demonstrate meaningful KRG–EU cooperation on human rights.
On humanitarian challenges, Zebari highlighted the continued displacement crisis. More than 102,000 Yezidi Kurds remain in the Kurdistan Region because returning to Sinjar is still unsafe. He also stressed ongoing collaboration with UNITAD. The KRG has submitted nearly half a million pieces of evidence documenting ISIS crimes, strengthening international justice efforts and reinforcing KRG–EU cooperation in accountability.
Security issues formed another key part of the discussion. The delegation detailed threats from drones, missiles, narcotics trafficking, and attacks on energy facilities. Zebari said the KRG’s internal stability directly affects regional and European security, especially in countering extremism and managing borders.
Ollongren signaled interest in visiting Erbil. She proposed creating a structured dialogue mechanism to strengthen work on human rights, institutional reform, and governance — a move that would further deepen KRG – EU cooperation.
The meeting comes as the EU expands engagement with Iraqi institutions while recognizing the Kurdistan Region’s relative stability and its continued role in hosting displaced communities.
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