PRINT

PROJECTS

EU Projects with Bangladesh

The 2014-20 indicative programme (€690 million) focuses on 3 sectors: governance, food & nutrition security, education & skills.

  • The signing ceremony of implementation of PFM Reform Strategic Plan & Support to National Social Security Strategic Reforms between EU and Government of Bangladesh.

    The signing ceremony of implementation of PFM Reform Strategic Plan & Support to National Social Security Strategic Reforms between EU and Government of Bangladesh.

    Copyright: Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh.

     

The 2014-20 Indicative Programme

EU-Bangladesh diplomatic relations were established in 1973. In 2001, a cooperation agreement was signed which extends to trade, economic and development cooperation, human rights, good governance, and the environment. European bilateral development aid to Bangladesh for 2014-2020 amounts to € 690,000,000. 

The 2014-20 indicative programme (€690 million, without considering Thematic and Regional funds) focuses on 3 sectors: 

  • Governance.
  • Food & nutrition security. 
  • Education & skills. 

Since 2016, EU aid was aligned with:

  • Bangladesh's 7th Five Year Plan 2016-20.
  • The EU+ joint programming process, together with interested EU+ countries. 

Regional funding

In 2014-20, Bangladesh received an approximately €104 million under the Asia Multiannual Indicative Programme to  support: 

  • Alignment and mutual recognition of products standards between the EU and Bangladesh, including environmental, social and ethical standards under the Sustainability Compact. 
  • Development of a green economy, by formulating and implementing a sustainable consumption and production policy. 
  • Infrastructure development including climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives, sustainable energy and financing for small firms (through the Asia Investment Facility, providing grants to complement loans from other European financial institutions). 
  • Assistance to Rohingya refugees in the Cox’s Bazar camps. 
  • Higher education, through ERASMUS+.

Other Programmes

In the 2014-2020 financial perspective, Bangladesh received an estimated  €5 million under the European Instrument on Democracy & Human Rights for the following goals: 

  • Pursue common agendas for human rights and democratic reform.
  • Build consensus on disputed or controversial areas of policy.
  • Enhance political representation and participation.
  • Enhance the inclusiveness and pluralism of civil society.
  • Increase safety structures for human rights defenders.
  • Counter the worrying trend of shrinking space for civil society.
  • Support activities to promote the issues covered by EU human rights guidelines and the EU's Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy.
  • Enhance the rule of law and good governance.

In 2014-20 Bangladesh received 15 million under the Civil Society Organisation-Local Authority programme.

Goals:

  • Increase these bodies' involvement in Bangladeshi policy-making - empowering citizens by voicing and structuring their collective demands. 
  • Support sustainable urban development.
  • Helping civil society bodies and local authorities voice their concerns in regional and international fora, especially the EU's post-2015 Development Agenda. 
  • Developing European citizens' awareness of and active engagement with attempts to improve life in Bangladesh.

See also