Bangladesh, EU finalise PCA text in fifth round of negotiations
The fifth round of negotiations between Bangladesh and the European Union on the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) took place on 7–8 January 2026 in Dhaka and Sylhet, during which both sides finalised the text of the agreement, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A three-member delegation from the European Union is currently visiting Bangladesh for this purpose.
The Bangladesh delegation was led by Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the EU side was led by Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS).
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Michael Miller, Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh, along with senior EU officials, participated in the negotiations both in person and virtually. Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the European Union and representatives from relevant ministries and departments also assisted the Bangladesh delegation.
Negotiations on the proposed PCA began with an explanatory meeting between Bangladesh and the EU in Dhaka in November 2024. Since then, the two sides have held five rounds of negotiations and several technical meetings in Dhaka and Brussels, both in person and virtually.
The fifth round focused on key thematic 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.
Both sides held constructive discussions aimed at reaching a comprehensive, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement that reflects the evolving priorities of Bangladesh–EU relations and addresses emerging global challenges. Following the successful conclusion of the negotiations, the text of the PCA has been agreed upon by both parties.
Once signed, the PCA will serve as the legal and political foundation for the strategic and long-term relationship between Bangladesh and the European Union. It is expected to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of policy areas, including human rights and governance, trade and investment, environmental sustainability and climate change, food security, energy, transport, and science, technology, and innovation.
The agreement will also mark a significant milestone for Bangladesh, as it moves towards becoming the first South Asian country to sign a PCA with the European Union.
