Kathmandu: The European Union and Nepal convened the 16th meeting of the EU–Nepal Joint Commission (JC) in Brussels on November 28, 2025, reaffirming their commitment to an expanding and multifaceted partnership. The meeting reviewed progress across political, economic, developmental, and global issues while outlining future areas of collaboration.
The meeting were co-chaired by Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal, the discussions covered the broad and growing bilateral agenda—from development cooperation and political relations to trade, people-to-people exchanges, climate action, regional connectivity, and international affairs.
The EU praised Nepal’s commitment to restoring stability and strengthening democracy under the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki. It welcomed ongoing reforms prioritizing fiscal discipline, good governance, accountability, and enhanced service delivery.
Both sides reiterated their shared dedication to democracy, human rights, good governance, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), disaster risk reduction, investment promotion, and joint action against global challenges, including climate change. Nepal updated the EU on its recent progress toward achieving the SDGs.
Nepal also reaffirmed its determination to conclude the transitional justice process in line with national legislation, an issue closely followed by Nepal’s development partners.
The EU expressed strong support for Nepal’s Transition Strategy aimed at graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. It reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation through the ongoing Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021–2027.
Both sides reviewed the progress of EU-supported programmes in Nepal, acknowledging the outcomes of the Sub-Commission meeting on development cooperation held on 27 November. Nepal appreciated the MIP’s alignment with national plans and priorities and thanked the EU for its sustained development assistance.
Regional dynamics across SAARC, BBIN, and BIMSTEC were discussed, with both sides underscoring the importance of effective multilateralism. They pledged continued cooperation in the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and other global platforms in support of the rules-based international order.
The EU appreciated Nepal’s principled positions at the UN, including its stance on Ukraine in line with the UN Charter. The Union also commended Nepal’s progress in inclusive governance and women’s empowerment, particularly through the EU’s flagship initiative, Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal. Both sides also exchanged updates on climate change impacts and the outcomes of COP 30.
The meeting reviewed bilateral trade relations, including Nepal’s interest in qualifying for the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). Education cooperation was highlighted, with Nepal expressing gratitude for the Erasmus+ programme and the opportunities provided for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees.
Aviation safety remained a key agenda point. Nepal reiterated its commitment to addressing all observations made during the EU’s 2023 assessment. The EU took note of Nepal’s request to remove Nepali airlines from the EU Air Safety List, acknowledging progress made by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
During the meeting, Nepal’s Ambassador to the EU, Sewa Lamsal; Head of the Europe Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs–Nepal, Ganesh Dhakal; the EU’s Ambassador to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo; and other officials from the two sides were present.
Both sides agreed that the 17th meeting of the EU–Nepal Joint Commission will be held in Kathmandu next year at a mutually convenient date.
