The European Union (EU) and the Royal Government of Bhutan marked a significant milestone today, celebrating four decades of partnership and friendship with a grand reception held in Thimphu on 16 October. The event, hosted jointly by the EU, the Netherlands, and the Kingdom of Denmark, was attended by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and high-ranking officials, underscoring the strength and longevity of their alliance.
This year also commemorates the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations between Bhutan and the Nordic kingdoms of Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, highlighting an expanding regional relationship rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
The celebrations coincided with the arrival of the largest-ever EU high-level delegation to Bhutan, comprising 19 EU Ambassadors representing 20 EU Member States. Led by Hervé Delphin, EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan, the delegation’s visit from October 15 to 17 aims to deepen diplomatic ties and foster new avenues for cooperation.
“The 40 years of relations between the European Union and Bhutan have been marked by an exemplary partnership rooted in mutual respect and trust,” said H.E. Hervé Delphin. “Bhutan has made remarkable progress in embracing democracy and reaching middle-income status, and the EU remains a reliable partner committed to supporting Bhutan’s sustainable development and economic growth in the 21st century.”
The Prime Minister thanked the EU for being one the Bhutan’s development partners who guided and supported towards graduation from the least developed countries.
During their visit, the delegation met with His Majesty The King of Bhutan, senior ministers, civil society representatives, and private sector leaders. The meetings emphasized strengthening collaboration on climate action, green energy, disaster risk reduction, and regional connectivity.
The EU delegation also held discussions with key Bhutanese officials, including Foreign Minister D.N. Dhungyel and Deputy Chairperson of the National Council Dago Tsheringla, to explore further cooperation opportunities.
The visit underscores the EU’s ongoing commitment to Bhutan’s development priorities through the Multiannual Indicative Programme (2021–2027), which allocates €48 million toward climate change, good governance, and digital transformation. Other supported projects focus on sustainable tourism, civil society engagement, and private sector growth.
To celebrate this historic milestone, a vibrant cultural concert will be held at Changyul Park on October 17, featuring performances by Bhutanese pop-rock band Baby Floyd and European artists such as Belgian-Norwegian soprano Elizaveta Agrafenina, Swedish pianist Emma Gilljam Tillu, and duo Maarten Visser and Holger Jetter from the Netherlands and Germany.
The event aims to showcase the rich cultural exchange and enduring friendship between the two regions.
Looking ahead, the EU and Bhutan plan to build on this momentum with upcoming initiatives, including the Bhutan Investors Forum in November, which will gather officials and private sector representatives from both sides to explore trade and investment opportunities.
As Bhutan continues its journey towards sustainable development and modernization, the partnership with the European Union remains a cornerstone of its strategy for inclusive growth and regional stability, marking 40 years of fruitful cooperation and promising future collaborations.
EU–Bhutan Partnership Over Four Decades
The EU–Bhutan partnership began in 1982 with the launch of a development cooperation project focused on renewable natural resources, followed by the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1985. Since then, the relationship has grown into a comprehensive partnership based on mutual respect, shared priorities, and a common vision for sustainable and inclusive development.
EU–Bhutan relations have gained strong positive momentum in recent years. In 2025 alone, several high-level engagements have taken place, including the visit of H.E. Mr. Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, to Brussels, and the 13th EU–Bhutan Annual Consultations. The year will culminate with the Bhutan Investors Forum (5–7 November) in Brussels, Frankfurt, and Prague, bringing together Bhutanese and EU officials, investors, and private sector representatives to explore opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration.
Over four decades of partnership, the EU has been a steadfast supporter of Bhutan’s sustainable development and modernization efforts. Through the 2021–2027 EU–Bhutan Multiannual Indicative Programme (EUR 48 million), the EU focuses on three priority areas of Climate change and green growth, good governance for inclusive socio-economic development, and Digital transition as a driver for change in education and public service delivery
In addition, the EU supports projects on sustainable tourism (EUR 1.3 million), civil society engagement and parliamentary strengthening (EUR 3.5 million), and private sector investments (EUR 1.3 million).
Sangay Rabten, from Thimphu
