The European Union (EU) has described Bangladesh as a "key partner" in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo‑Pacific.

The Council of the European Union underlined that both the EU and the Indo‑Pacific face increasingly complex security challenges.

It noted that the EU should continue to strengthen and intensify its strategic focus, presence, visibility and actions in the Indo‑Pacific, with the aim of contributing to joint stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development — underpinned by the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and international law.

The EU pledged to reinforce its role as a reliable actor, adding value to long‑standing relations with partners across the region.

This is particularly relevant as the EU maintains a geographic presence in the Indo‑Pacific through its outermost regions and overseas countries and territories.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to a closely coordinated political presence of the EU and its Member States in the region.

Building on three successful EU‑Indo‑Pacific Ministerial Fora (Paris 2022, Stockholm 2023 and Brussels 2024), the Council said it looks forward to the fourth forum, to be convened by the High Representative in Brussels on 20–21 November, a senior official told UNB.

These fora constitute a unique platform for strategic engagement with audiences in both regions.

They reflect the strong and shared interest of the EU and Indo‑Pacific partners in fostering concrete cooperation — including on a region‑to‑region basis — enhancing mutual security, prosperity and resilience, and laying the foundations for an ever more ambitious partnership.

The EU Embassy in Dhaka has shared its latest policy document, issued by the 27 Member States at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, which highlights how the EU and the Indo‑Pacific are interlinked and working together on the green and digital transition, trade and economic security, and security and defence.

On 20 October, the Council of the EU adopted conclusions on the implementation of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific, stressing that the EU should further intensify its strategic focus, presence, visibility and actions in the region to contribute to shared stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development — underpinned by democracy, the rule of law, human rights and international law.

Launched in September 2021, the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific continues to provide a robust framework for EU engagement in a region stretching from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific islands.

Significant progress has been made in implementing the strategy across seven priority areas, both at EU and Member State level, with particular emphasis on three core areas: security and defence challenges, the green and digital transition, and trade and economic security.

The Council also reiterated its deep concern over the situations in Afghanistan and Myanmar, and its unwavering commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East based on a two‑state solution.

According to the EU, the EU‑Indo‑Pacific Ministerial Fora remain a unique platform for strategic interaction with stakeholders in both regions.

They reflect the strong and shared interest of the EU and Indo‑Pacific partners in advancing practical cooperation, enhancing mutual security, prosperity and resilience, and laying the groundwork for an increasingly ambitious partnership.

Bangladesh EU Partnership / EU strategy Bay of Bengal / Foreign Affairs