Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba held a meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for International Partnerships at the European Commission, in Brussels on Thursday.

During the meeting, discussions centered on strengthening economic relations, development cooperation, and, notably, Nepal’s request for the European Union’s support to ensure a smooth, sustainable, and irreversible transition as Nepal graduates from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, as stated in a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A key point raised by the Foreign Minister was the request for an extended transition period for trade-related concessions from the EU following Nepal’s graduation in 2026. Both sides also reviewed the processes for Nepal’s accession to the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) post-graduation. Additionally, the Foreign Minister urged the EU to lift the ban on Nepali airlines from its grey list.

On the same day, Mr. Maciej Popowski, Director-General of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, also met with the Foreign Minister.

Nepal and the EU have maintained strong, cordial, and friendly relations since Nepal established diplomatic ties with the European Commission in 1974. The EU remains a key development partner for Nepal. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two.