Climate change, energy resilience and the need for greater adaptation finance were among the key issues discussed as Bhutan and the European Parliament held their ninth Inter-Parliamentary Meeting in Bhutan. The meeting brought together Bhutanese parliamentarians and a five-member European Parliament delegation to discuss areas of cooperation, including climate resilience, renewable energy, education and digital transformation.
Bhutanese parliamentarians presented on democratic governance, parliamentary cooperation, climate, energy, environment and sustainable development.
For Bhutan, climate change and energy resilience were among the key concerns raised during the discussions.
Bhutanese parliamentarians highlighted the need for adaptation finance and resilient infrastructure as the country works to respond to increasing climate risks.
The European Parliament delegation highlighted the EU’s enhanced partnership with Bhutan under its 2021–2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme. In developing the Indicative Programme, European Union provides grant funding and technical support to help Bhutan achieve sustainable development, economic self-reliance, and a smooth graduation from Least Developed Country Status.
“The European Union is supporting some beautiful projects here in the Kingdom of Bhutan,” said Serban Dimitrie Sturdza, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Countries of South Asia. “We also had the opportunity to visit one of them.”
The delegation also discussed cooperation in water-resource management and renewable energy, as well as Bhutan’s transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Digital transformation, skills development and social policy were also identified as areas for continued engagement.
Serban Dimitrie Sturdza said, “We, as members of the European Parliament, cannot invest in Bhutan. Only private entities can invest, but I will say that the financial support of the European Union to different projects here in Bhutan seems to be really appreciated by the Bhutanese.”
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of EU–Bhutan cooperation and the value of learning from each other’s best practices through the Inter-Parliamentary Meeting.
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Sangay Chezom
