The European Union views its relationship with Bangladesh through a new lens, moving beyond the traditional donor-recipient framework toward an ‘eye-to-eye partnership of equals,’ said EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller.

“This is a relationship that has become broader, deeper, and more strategic in the last period. We are actually looking at the relationship through a new lens, we're looking at Bangladesh as a partner of growing strategic importance.”

The Ambassador made the remarks at an event held at Dhaka University on Tuesday, titled ‘Meet the Ambassador: Talking Diplomacy for Cooperation’ organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS).

Miller said, “there is, I think, a natural convergence between us. Bangladesh understands the value of multilateralism, the importance of international law and the need to act when exposed to global shocks. it has demonstrated a strong record of UN peacekeeping efforts.”

Noting that Bangladesh is passing through an important transitional moment, the ambassador said that the union supports reform ambitions that builds trust between citizens and institutions, and that underpin openness, stability, and prosperity.

“I have to say to you that change of this kind is not easy, and it does not happen quickly. So, perhaps after August '24, there was a sense amongst parts of the population that things would change rapidly. That is not the experience that I have dealing with these reform issues for decades in Europe. It takes time,” he said.

He said economic ties are a key pillar of EU-Bangladesh relations, noting that the EU is Bangladesh’s largest export destination, receiving around half of the country’s exports worth over €23 billion in 2025.

Bangladesh’s LDC graduation, whether or not it is postponed from this year, it doesn't matter, but the development is a major achievement and should be recognized, Miller said. “We are ready to work with Bangladesh to this end, ready to explore now the ambition that has been expressed by the government of Bangladesh to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement.”

He said that the FTA would not be automatic, stressing that Bangladesh must undertake reforms to facilitate trade, strengthen intellectual property protection and the rule of law, and ensure fair competition.

Saying that EU companies can contribute in many sectors in Bangladesh but stuck in modest level while the country need more, he said, “the reality is that the confidence of investors still needs to be reinforced, and this requires transparency, policy predictability, regulatory clarity, and a genuine level playing field. It's why the reform agenda that we talk about, why that reform agenda matters not only politically, but also economically.”

EU has provided more than 500 million euros since the Rohingya crisis began in 2017, with over 50 million allocated this year for humanitarian assistance, development and accountability, while supporting both Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar, said Millar.

The ambassador said the Indo-Pacific has become central to the EU’s global strategy, stressing the importance of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and rules-based region. He said Bangladesh is crucial to this vision because of its strategic geography, economic weight, large population and role in regional stability.

Political leaders, civil society representatives, academics, students, researchers, and media professionals participated in the discussion.

The discussion focused on Bangladesh-Europe relations, academic cooperation, youth engagement, and issues of mutual interest.

CGS President Zillur Rahman said that the purpose of the Meet the Ambassador series is to explore diplomacy beyond formal statements and closed-door meetings.

He emphasized that the program seeks to create opportunities for meaningful discussions on issues that affect society, particularly the younger generation.

Executive Director of the Centre for Governance Studies Parvez Karim Abbasi expressed gratitude to all participants and explained the philosophy behind the Meet the Ambassador initiative.

He noted that diplomatic engagements often take place primarily with societal elites, while this program seeks to bridge the gap between diplomatic representatives and wider communities.

He also highlighted the historic importance of the University of Dhaka as a centre of political thought, intellectual practices, and social transformation.