Bangladesh, EU finalise text of Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

Bangladesh and the European Union have finalised the text of the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) following the fifth round of negotiations held on 7–8 January 2026 in Dhaka and Sylhet.

The negotiations concluded with both sides agreeing on the full text of the proposed agreement, according to a press release issued yesterday (7 January). A three-member European Union delegation is currently visiting Bangladesh for this purpose.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Secretary (Bilateral) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam, while the EU side was headed by Ms Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS). EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller and senior EU officials also participated in the discussions, both in person and virtually. Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the European Union, along with officials from relevant ministries and departments, assisted the Bangladesh delegation.

Negotiations on the PCA began with an explanatory meeting in Dhaka in November 2024. Since then, the two sides have held five rounds of talks and several technical meetings in Dhaka and Brussels, both physically and virtually. The fifth round focused on key areas of mutual interest, including legal and judicial cooperation, intellectual property rights, energy cooperation, fisheries, aquaculture and ocean governance, trade and investment, human rights and customs cooperation.

According to the release, discussions were constructive and aimed at reaching a comprehensive, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement that reflects the evolving priorities of Bangladesh–EU relations and addresses emerging global challenges.

Once signed, the PCA will provide the legal and political foundation for a strategic and long-term partnership between Bangladesh and the European Union. The agreement is expected to strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas, including governance, human rights, trade, investment, environmental sustainability, climate change, food security, energy, transport, and science, technology and innovation. It will also mark a significant milestone, as Bangladesh moves towards becoming the first South Asian country to sign a PCA with the EU.

Earlier, the EU delegation paid courtesy calls on the Chief Adviser and the Foreign Adviser. During the meetings, both sides discussed Bangladesh–EU relations, the PCA, upcoming general elections and referendum, combating illegal migration, renewable energy cooperation, and expanding trade and investment. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election, while the Foreign Adviser emphasised Bangladesh's constructive and forward-looking engagement with the EU.