Brussels: Pakistan and the European Union have reached an agreement to enhance cooperation across several critical sectors, including governance, trade, migration, climate, energy, and science and technology. This understanding was achieved during the 15th EU-Pakistan Joint Commission meetings held in Brussels.
According to Radio Pakistan, both parties emphasized the significance of maintaining close cooperation on human rights. They reviewed Pakistan’s progress in implementing 27 international conventions required under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework. The EU, being Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, has made Pakistan the principal beneficiary of the GSP+ arrangement.
The meetings also focused on the follow-up of the GSP+ Monitoring Mission, including discussions on the upcoming GSP report and Pakistan’s re-application to the GSP+ scheme under the new Regulation. Both sides acknowledged the need to enhance the overall business environment and committed to advancing this work, especially at the forthcoming EU-Pakistan Business Forum scheduled to be held in Islamabad in April next year.
The EU and Pakistan concurred on the ongoing relevance of key priority areas under the Multiannual Indicative Programme. Pakistan expressed appreciation for the EU’s continuous support for climate change resilience, while the EU presented outlines of projects planned for the 2025-27 period, updating its policy framework and Global Gateway strategy.
Discussions also covered regional programmes, emphasizing the importance of strengthening regional collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan of 2019, evaluating the progress made over the past six years.
The Joint Commission assessed progress under the EU-Pakistan Comprehensive Dialogue on Migration and Mobility. The EU commended Pakistan’s efforts to enhance cooperation on migration-related issues, particularly in countering irregular migration and migrant smuggling.
Potential areas for expanding cooperation were also explored, including climate change, environment, education, culture, science, technology, connectivity, and digitalisation. Both parties agreed to investigate research collaborations under the Horizon Europe Programme.
Security challenges, particularly in counterterrorism and counter-narcotics, were highlighted as areas where regional collaboration could be strengthened. Both sides also affirmed their support for the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict and underscored the need for concrete steps towards a two-state solution, aligned with relevant UN resolutions.
Finally, both parties stressed the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully, in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter. It was agreed that the next session of the EU-Pakistan Joint Commission would be held in Islamabad next year.