The European Union on Wednesday informed the interim government that it is ready to support Bangladesh in every possible way in its reform initiatives and fight against corruption. “The message is very clear. The European Union is with you. We want to support your reform (initiatives),” Paola Pampaloni, Director, Asia and Pacific Department of European External Action Service told Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus confirming the support of 27 member states of the European Union for Bangladesh. She expressed the readiness of the European countries to support Bangladesh when she called on the Chief Adviser at his office at Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Wednesday. Michael Miller, the ambassador and head of delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, was also present. Pampaloni said that there will be no shortage of funds for reform, and they will also provide Bangladesh’s interim government with technical support for accomplishing the job.  

The European Union (EU) has underlined the importance of ensuring due process at all stages of the legal proceedings and expressed "concern" about the legal framework of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which "should be revised" as soon as possible to bring it in line with international human rights standards. Paying respect to the victims and survivors of the violent crackdown on protestors in July-August, as well as prior human rights violations, Bangladesh and the EU recently discussed the importance of transitional justice. They agreed on the need to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable. Both sides agreed on the need to address the human rights concerns of women, children, and persons belonging to minorities and marginalised groups. No one should live in fear of violence, harassment or discrimination while law and order "should be ensured" for all, including the most vulnerable, according to the EU. The interim government says it condemns any kind of violence and does not want to see any violence. The 11th meeting of the sub-group on good governance and human rights of the EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission was held in Dhaka recently under the framework of the EU-Bangladesh Cooperation Agreement. The sub-group was co-chaired by the head of the Bangladesh delegation, Mohammad Mohiuddin, head of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs division at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and by head of the European Union's delegation, Rensje Teerink, Head of Division for South Asia at the European External Action Service (EEAS). They were also joined by observers from the Embassies of the EU Member States in Dhaka. The sub-group reported to the Bangladesh-EU Joint Commission that addressed all areas of bilateral cooperation on Monday. "Very happy to be back in Dhaka to co-chair the 11th EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission. We reviewed the wide range of cooperation during these transitional times," said Deputy Managing Director for Asia Pacific Department at the European External Action Service Paola Pampaloni after the meeting. They conveyed EU support to reforms for an "inclusive" democratic transition. The EU and Bangladesh reinforced their commitment to "strengthen cooperation" in the field of human rights, good governance and on-going reform process of the interim government. They recognised that the political transition the country is currently undergoing constitutes an "unprecedented opportunity" to make progress on human rights and good governance in Bangladesh. Bangladesh-EU relations transforming from development-centric to wide-ranging strategic partnership: Paola Pampaloni They paid tribute to the courage and determination of the students and members of the general public that stood up for their rights – and remembered those that lost their lives – during the popular uprising in July-August. The EU welcomed the interim government’s "strong commitment" to advance reforms and take the necessary steps towards a "democratic, pluralistic and inclusive" Bangladesh that is grounded in the rule of law and human rights. This commitment is notably reflected in Bangladesh’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), and in the creation of a Commission of Inquiry on enforced disappearances, according to the EU. Announcements to repeal or swiftly amend some of the legislations that have been used to crush dissent and curtail fundamental freedoms, such as the Cyber Security Act, are further signals of this commitment. Bangladesh explained the process for carrying out structural reforms in several key areas, including through the recently established reform commissions. The EU welcomed the ongoing work of the commissions and underlined the importance of taking into account the realities and perspectives of the population in all its diversity, including women and minorities. The need for clarity over the further process of consultation and decision-making based on the commissions’ reports was discussed. The subgroup discussed a number of areas of reform, such as the justice sector, public administration, the security sector, and capacity building of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. Following up on the EU’s long-standing engagement with Bangladesh on labour rights, Bangladesh and the EU agreed on the urgency and opportunity to make progress in this regard, namely by making labour inspections more effective. The EU recalled that the preferential access of Bangladeshi exports to the European market is premised on the respect of international human rights and labour standards. Besides, the EU drew attention to recently adopted legislation that will reinforce the protection of human rights and labour rights, as well as improve environmental sustainability, throughout European supply chains, including for products from Bangladesh. Helpful Reference for Electoral Reforms Agreeing on the need for thorough electoral reforms, they acknowledged the recommendations of the EU Election Expert Mission of January 2024 as a "helpful reference" for Bangladesh to rebuild public trust in the electoral process and ensure that international standards on elections are upheld. The EU reiterated its great appreciation for Bangladesh temporarily hosting 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingya people on its territory. Measures to best meet the needs of the Rohingya people and host communities, as well as perspectives for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return were discussed.   The EU and Bangladesh expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in Rakhine that is seriously affecting the commencement of Rohingya repatriation. The EU encouraged the government of Bangladesh to further cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and to issue a standing invitation to UN Special Procedures in order to benefit from relevant expertise in the context of the country’s political transition. Bangladesh shared that the promotion and protection of human rights of all citizens is one of the priorities of the interim Government and it is working closely with the OHCHR in this regard. At the invitation of interim government, the UN is undertaking an independent UN Fact Finding Mission regarding the human rights violations committed in the context of the July-August student-led mass movement. Bangladesh underlined that the interim government would give due consideration to the recommendations of the UN Fact Finding Mission. They both expressed the expectation that, with Bangladesh’s renewed commitment to human rights and democracy, collaboration and alignment in multilateral human rights fora would increase.  

The European Commission has announced new funding to support humanitarian projects in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia.  The Commission on Tuesday announced the new humanitarian aid package of €21.5 million for the Asia-Pacific region, bringing the total EU support to almost €95 million in 2024.  Meanwhile, a EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flight taking essential supplies for victims of typhoon Yagi that left a trail of destruction in the Asia-Pacific region is being launched and due to arrive in the coming days in Laos. EU supports Bangladesh to strengthen border security  The announcements come as Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is visiting the Philippines and Indonesia this week to reinforce cooperation in disaster preparedness and response with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other countries in the region.  Commissioner Lenarčič will represent the EU at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila, the Philippines where he will highlight the EU’s commitment to supporting disaster preparedness and response, both in the EU and beyond. EU offers to delay new deforestation rules after an outcry from governments and farmers  The EU recently supported the Philippines following typhoons Yagi and Gaemi.  New agreement on EU-Asean disaster management  Later this week in Jakarta, the Commissioner will attend the signing of an agreement on disaster management between the EU’s department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and Asean’s Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).  This agreement will further strengthen cooperation between the EU and Asean countries in preparedness and response to disasters by exchanging knowledge and best practices between Asean and the EU; deploying and exchanging experts; and developing training programmes. During his stay in Jakarta, the Commissioner will mark the 20th anniversary of the devastating tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004, recalling the EU solidarity during the response. Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic said the ongoing monsoon season has been particularly hard in Southeast Asia, where several countries have suffered severe floods and cyclones. The Commissioner said as climate-induced disasters become more frequent and intense, it is even more important to reinforce international cooperation for better preparedness and efficient response. "I am convinced that this agreement between the EU and ASEAN disaster management bodies will bring many gains, allowing us to learn from each other and better protect our populations,” Lenarcic added.

The first round of negotiations on the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) is being delayed as the plan for its initiation in September this year has been postponed. The EU has shown the current situation as a reason behind the postponement. It was scheduled to be held in Dhaka. “The first round of negotiations on the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) foreseen in September has been postponed due to the prevailing situation,” EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley told UNB, quoting a message he received from Brussels. The envoy also said a new date for starting the negotiations has not been fixed yet.    Read more: It was like a terrorist attack to topple the govt: PM Hasina tells Indian envoy on quota violence. Bangladesh is willing to do it in November as the 79th session of the UN General Assembly opens on September 10, 2024, said a diplomatic source. A Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) agreement is a legally binding agreement between the EU and third countries. By means of a PCA, the EU works to support the democratic and economic development of a country. A PCA is typically entered into for ten years, after which they are automatically extended each year provided no objections are raised. Recently, Ambassador Whiteley said they are eyeing a “step change” in their relations with Bangladesh in the next five years, deepening the ties in core areas. “I think in the next five years we would be really seeing a step change in our relationship,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud in January this year. The EU ambassador said the relationship between Bangladesh and the EU will be driven by the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). Read more: China encouraged by resumption of social order in Bangladesh.

The European Union is providing EUR 175,000 (over Tk 2 crore 22 lakh) in humanitarian funding to support the most vulnerable people exposed to the extreme temperatures as Bangladesh is facing record high temperatures, reaching over 42°C in some parts of the country in the past weeks. This EU funding supports the Bangladesh Red Crescent’s ongoing efforts to deliver relief assistance to 500,000 people affected by the heatwave. Teams of volunteers disseminate awareness messages on heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them; run cooling stations; provide ambulance and first aid services, and distribute drinking water, umbrellas, and caps. Heatwave affects Dhaka, other divisions; temperatures expected to rise The support will continue in 20 districts where the temperature has exceeded 38°C in the divisions of Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Barishal and Dhaka. The funding is part of the EU's overall contribution of €8 million to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to respond to disasters around the world. Bangladesh, one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, and has seen more frequent, severe and longer heatwaves during the summer months in recent years. High temperatures can pose grave risks to newborns and infants, as they are less able to regulate their body temperatures than adults, people with chronic diseases, and older persons, said the EU Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday. BMD issues fresh 48-hr heatwave alert for 5 divisions People who work outside such as rickshaw pullers, construction workers or agriculture labourers also face increased risks when they are exposed to the extreme heat for long periods of time, as are the inhabitants of overpopulated and congested slum areas where houses are built with iron sheets. The European Union and its Member States are the world's leading donors of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises. Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the European Union provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs. 48-hr heat alert issued for Dhaka’s western part, 3 divisions

The new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with the European Union (EU) can be “something very broad” to discuss future Bangladesh-EU relations, said a senior official at the EU headquarters ahead of the 3rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum. Talking to UNB virtually, he mentioned joint launching of negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on October 25 last year in Brussels to expand and develop the multi-dimensional relationship between Bangladesh and the EU. PCA is a legally binding agreement and it is one of three special types of international agreements. By means of a PCA, the EU works to support the democratic and economic development of a country. EU eyes a "step change" in relations with Bangladesh in next 5 years: Charles Whiteley A PCA is typically entered into for ten years, after which they are automatically extended each year provided no objections are raised. The third EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum will be held in Brussels on February 2 and it will be chaired by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell. Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud is scheduled to attend the forum who is also likely to have a number of meetings on the sidelines of the forum. It will include an opening plenary session, three roundtable discussions and a closing session. The Brussels Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum builds on the success of the previous two EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forums held in Paris in February 2022 and in Stockholm in May 2023. It will provide a platform for dialogue, for shaping a collective vision for the region’s future and for identifying practical ways to enhance cooperation and deepen solidarity. Europe and the Indo-Pacific are highly interconnected and interdependent, that is why the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum serves as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation between Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Asked whether the EU’s strategy for cooperation with the Indo-Pacific countries will concentrate on the security or economic dimensions, the EU senior official referred to the seven pillars of EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy. The seven priority areas for the EU action are sustainable and inclusive prosperity; green transition; ocean governance; digital governance and partnerships; connectivity; security and defence; and human security. He said Bangladesh is a massive country in terms of population and it has a very impressive economic growth. Commending the EU as Bangladesh’s largest export market, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud recently requested for EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) trade concessions until 2032 to support Bangladesh’s smooth graduation from the LDC status as well as EU’s import of diversified products from Bangladesh including jute and jute goods along with traditional products like apparels and shrimps. The Indo-Pacific region is of key strategic importance, both in economic and geopolitical terms. The 2021 EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific sets out how the EU is stepping up collaboration with Indo-Pacific partners to contribute to the region’s stability, security and prosperity. The EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum will bring together the EU and its Member States with countries from the East coast of Africa in the West to the Pacific islands in the East. The EU and Indo-Pacific partners will discuss how to address the increasing number of complex economic, environmental, geopolitical, and security challenges that affect both regions. Climate change and environmental degradation are existential threats for all. It is clear that close cooperation is key to addressing these challenges effectively, achieving sustainable economic growth, and strengthening resilience to shocks and disruptions. The digital economy, in particular, holds the potential for significant innovation and growth. EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting The 24th EU-ASEAN Ministerial meeting also takes place in Brussels on February 2. The meeting will be co-chaired by EU High Representative Josep Borrell and the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo. It will review the implementation of decisions adopted at the EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit held one year ago in December 2022 and agree on future steps in developing the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership. During last year's EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit, the EU pledged to mobilize EUR 10 billion for connectivity projects in ASEAN under the Global Gateway initiative. To emphasise the centrality of ASEAN in the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy, ASEAN Foreign Ministers have also been invited to participate in the EU’s 3rd Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, to be held on the same day. EU allocates €300,000 in humanitarian aid to gutted Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps

German lawmakers on Friday (January 19, 2024) approved legislation easing the rules on gaining citizenship and ending restrictions on holding dual citizenship. The government argues the plan will bolster the integration of immigrants and help attract skilled workers. Parliament voted 382-234 for the plan put forward by center-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s socially liberal coalition, with 23 lawmakers abstaining. The main center-right opposition bloc criticized the project vehemently, arguing that it would cheapen German citizenship. The legislation will make people eligible for citizenship after five years in Germany, or three in case of “special integration accomplishments,” rather than eight or six years at present. German-born children would automatically become citizens if one parent has been a legal resident for five years, down from eight years now. Restrictions on holding dual citizenship will also be dropped. In principle, most people from countries other than European Union members and Switzerland now have to give up their previous nationality when they gain German citizenship, though there are some exemptions. Germany, France, Denmark, Netherlands, UK, Canada file joint declaration of intervention in case against Myanmar at International Court of Justice The government says that 14% of the population — more than 12 million of the country’s 84.4 million inhabitants — doesn’t have German citizenship and that about 5.3 million of those have lived in Germany for at least a decade. It says that the naturalization rate in Germany is well below the EU average. In 2022, about 168,500 people were granted German citizenship. That was the highest figure since 2002, boosted by a large increase in the number of Syrian citizens who had arrived in the past decade being naturalized, but still only a fraction of long-term residents. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the reform puts Germany in line with European neighbors such as France and pointed to its need to attract more skilled workers. “We also must make qualified people from around the world an offer like the U.S., like Canada, of which acquiring German citizenship is a part,” she told reporters ahead of the vote. The legislation stipulates that people being naturalized must be able to support themselves and their relatives, though there are exemptions for people who came to West Germany as “guest workers” up to 1974 and for those who came to communist East Germany to work. The existing law requires that would-be citizens be committed to the “free democratic fundamental order,” and the new version specifies that antisemitic and racist acts are incompatible with that. Bangladesh to become world’s 9th largest market by 2030 overtaking UK, Germany: PM Hasina Scholz said in a video message that, at a time of mounting concern over the far right’s intentions toward immigrants, “we are telling all those who often have lived and worked for decades in Germany, who keep to our laws: You belong in Germany.” The reform means that no one will have to “deny his roots,” he added. The conservative opposition asserted that Germany is loosening citizenship requirements just as other countries are tightening theirs. “This isn’t a citizenship modernization bill — it is a citizenship devaluation bill,” center-right Christian Democrat Alexander Throm told lawmakers. People who have been in Germany for five or three years haven’t yet grown roots in the country, he said. And he argued that dropping restrictions on dual citizenship will “bring political conflicts from abroad into our politics.” The citizenship law overhaul is one of a series of social reforms that Scholz’s three-party coalition agreed to carry out when it took office in late 2021. Those also include plans to liberalize rules on the possession and sale of cannabis, and make it easier for transgender, intersex and nonbinary people to change their gender and name in official registers. Both still need parliamentary approval. In recent months, the government — which has become deeply unpopular as a result of persistent infighting, economic weakness and most recently a home-made budget crisis that resulted in spending and subsidy cuts — also has sought to defuse migration by asylum-seekers as a political problem. The citizenship reform was passed the day after lawmakers approved legislation that is intended to ease deportations of unsuccessful asylum-seekers. Germany's CO2 emissions are at their lowest in 7 decades, study shows

The European Union (EU) wants to take the partnership and cooperation with Bangladesh to a new height, said its ambasador said on Thursday (January 18, 2024). Ambassador Charles Whiteley made the remarks while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban. He also congratulated Hasina on her re-election as the prime minister for fourth consecutive term and the fifth overall. ADB President to PM Hasina: 'Under your leadership in last 15 years, Bangladesh made extraordinary progress in all areas of development' "The existing facilities which Bangladesh is currently getting in various sectors including environment, good governance, renewable energy and transportation under the Global Gateway will be further enhanced in the days to come," PM's Deputy Press Secretary Md. Noorelahi Mina said quoted Whiteley. The ambassador mentioned that the EU had already given Bangladesh 407 million Euro during the recent Global Gateway Forum summit at Brussels in Belgium. The EU envoy promised to continue the facilities given to Bangladesh under EBA (Everything but Arms) facilities. He also pledged to continue the GSP plus facilities to Bangladesh, said the deputy press secretary. Steps taken to purchase commodities in advance for Ramadan: PM The EU ambssador also highly praised the inititives taken by Hasina's government for the development of those with disabilities and the marginalised people. Bangladesh Premier has expressed her satisfaction over the existing relationship between her country and the European Union over the last 50 years. "This relationship between Bangladesh and European Union will be elevated to a new height," she said. The prime minister thanked the EU for continuing support under the EBA and sought greater cooperation in different sectors including renewable energy under the Global Gateway programme. Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present during the meeting. Read more: Russia proposes wheat export to Bangladesh, discusses bilateral trade expansion

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday (January 17, 2024) said Bangladesh has agreed to deepen ties with the United States through expansion of trade and strengthening efforts to combat “militancy and fanaticism.” "We have expressed our commitment to work together," he told reporters after his separate meetings with US Ambassador Peter Haas and European Union Ambassador Charles Whiteley at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The Foreign Minister said the rise of fanaticism is a problem worldwide.  Responding to a question, he also said there has been exploration of oil offshore.  Bangladesh, China discuss promoting FTA negotiation and attracting investment The Foreign Minister said there are oil reserves as discovered by a US company. He said Bangladesh and the US have cooperation in the defence area and they have discussed the issue.  The Foreign Minister said he has discussed the Rohingya repatriation issue with both the ambassadors. He said Bangladesh wants Rohingyas to return to their homeland with full rights. EU to start negotiations on Partnership Cooperation Agreement very soon, says Charles Whiteley Hasan Mahmud said Bangladesh is now hosting around 15 lakh Rohingyas, and the number is growing . "It's a burden for us." Talking to reporters, US Ambassador Peter Haas said he looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh in the coming months on issues of mutual importance.  He mentioned climate change, expanding business opportunities, and other areas of cooperation to advance the relations.  "I look forward to working very closely in the coming months to advance our mutual interest," said Ambassador Haas. Referring to the meeting with the Foreign Minister, he said it was an opportunity to talk about the future of the US-Bangladesh relationship.  Lavrov to Hasan Mahmud: Russia-Bangladesh ties based on solid foundation of friendship Regarding his meeting with EU Ambassador Whiteley, the Foreign Minister said they discussed the Partnership Cooperation Agreement (PCA) so that both sides can reach a fruitful position through negotiations. 

Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, on Wednesday (January 17, 2024) said they are going to start negotiations on the Partnership Cooperation Agreement very soon which he sees as a new generation agreement involving wide-ranging issues. Ferry driver missing after it capsizes with vehicles in Padma River “We had a very fruitful and dynamic discussion,” he told reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Whiteley said they discussed ways to take the Bangladesh-EU partnership forward. ADB President to PM Hasina: 'Under your leadership in last 15 years, Bangladesh made extraordinary progress in all areas of development'