Largest-ever European Union High-Level Delegation visits Bhutan

Largest-ever European Union High-Level Delegation visits Thimphu

The visit of the largest-ever EU joint high-level delegation to Bhutan took place from 15 to 17 October 2025. Headed by the EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Hervé Delphin, the delegation included 19 EU Ambassadors with 20 EU Member State Embassies represented, included the Embassy of Latvia, as well Ms. Nicole Beer, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Ms. Myriam Ferrán, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnership.

The EU Delegation also received an audience with His Majesty The King. During the visit, the delegation will also meet senior ministers and officials of RGoB including H.E. Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade; H.E. Lyonpo Dago Tsheringla, Deputy Chairperson of the National Council along with representatives from civil society and the private sector. 

To commemorate this milestone, EU and Bhutanese artists came together on 17 October 2025 for a special concert celebrating cultural exchange and creative partnership between the two regions. Performers included popular Bhutanese pop-rock band Baby Floyd, along with Mr. Ugyen Panday and Ms. Pema Deki. Representing Europe will be Belgian-Norwegian soprano Elizaveta Agrafenina, Swedish classical pianist Emma Gilljam Tillu, and Duo Maarten Visser and Holger Jetter — renowned musicians and composers from the Netherlands and Germany respectively.

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.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: Climate change and green growth; Good governance for inclusive socio-economic development; 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).