Bangladesh and the European Union have concluded negotiations on the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) following the fifth round of talks in Dhaka and Sylhet on 7–8 January. Both sides agreed on the contents of the proposed treaty during the discussions, with a three-member EU delegation currently visiting Bangladesh for this purpose.
The Bangladesh team was led by Dr Md Nazrul Islam, secretary (bilateral) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the EU side was headed by Paola Pampaloni, acting managing director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS). EU Ambassador Michael Miller and senior EU officials participated in the talks both in person and virtually. Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the EU, along with representatives from relevant ministries and departments, assisted Dr Islam.
Negotiations on the PCA began in November 2024 with an explanatory meeting in Dhaka. Since then, five rounds of talks and multiple technical meetings have been held in Dhaka and Brussels, both physically and virtually. The fifth round focused on issues of mutual interest, including legal and judicial cooperation, intellectual property rights, energy, fisheries and aquaculture, ocean governance, trade and investment, human rights, and customs cooperation.
Both sides engaged in constructive dialogue aimed at reaching a comprehensive, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement reflecting the evolving priorities of Bangladesh–EU relations. Following the talks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the PCA had been agreed upon.
Once signed, the agreement will provide the legal and political foundation for a long-term strategic partnership. It is expected to boost cooperation across policy areas such as human rights and governance, trade and investment, environmental sustainability, climate change, food security, energy, transport, and science and technology. Bangladesh will become the first South Asian country to sign a PCA with the EU.
Earlier on January 7, the EU delegation paid courtesy calls on the Chief Adviser and the Foreign Affairs Adviser. Discussions covered the PCA, the upcoming general election, tackling irregular migration, renewable energy cooperation, and trade expansion. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to free, fair, and peaceful elections, while the Foreign Affairs Adviser highlighted the country’s preference for constructive engagement with the EU.
Pampaloni stressed the importance of a peaceful election, noting that a successful democratic transition could elevate Bangladesh–EU relations and usher in a new era of engagement with the bloc.
