24/04/2025 (Agence Europe) – On the occasion of their 13th annual consultation on Tuesday 22 April and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of their relations, Bhutan and the EU expressed their shared commitment to take their partnership forward “based on mutual interests and values”, the EEAS announced on Thursday. According to the diplomatic service, the European Commission has announced that, for 2025-2027, EU budget support should focus on good governance and digitisation in Bhutan. The EU has indicated that it is exploring new partnership opportunities with the European Investment Bank to support sustainable investment in the country. Support, focused on three priority areas (climate change, green growth and self-reliance; good governance for inclusive socio-economic development; digital transition), was discussed, as were the possibilities for developing cooperation in education, research, disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction. (CG)