Diplomatic relations between Bhutan and the European Union (EU) were established on 9 August 1985. However, engagement between Bhutan and the EU started even earlier in 1982 when the first agreement on the Plant Protection Services Project was signed. H.E. Ms Tshoki Choden, Ambassador of Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Belgium, is accredited to both the European Council and the European Commission. H.E. Mr. Herve Delphin, Ambassador of the EU to India, is concurrently accredited to Bhutan.
Under the EU Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2007-2013, EU support to Bhutan in the 10th Plan was in the RNR Sector, Good Governance and Trade Facilitation. The EU tripled its assistance to Bhutan in the MIP 2014-2020 cycle by supporting (i) Local Government and civil society and (ii) Sustainable agriculture and forestry. The EU also provided additional support for the “Establishment of Search and Rescue Training Centre” and “Water Flagship”.
EU support to Bhutan under MIP 2021-2027 is in the following three priority areas:
Apart from bilateral development assistance, Bhutan also avails opportunities under several other EU’s thematic windows of funding such as ERASMUS+ and regional programmes.