Establishment of Lao PDR-EU Relations

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the European Union.

European Union Delegation to Lao PDR

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the European Union.
Our journey began in 1975, at a time of great change. What we now know as the European Union (EU) was then the European Communities (EC), and the Lao PDR was about to be established as a new nation.

In May 1975, the Lao Embassy in France reached out to the EC to propose formal diplomatic relations. The European Commission warmly welcomed the request, and on 21 November 1975, relations were officially established. Just weeks later, Laos was born, and so began a partnership that has grown stronger with every passing year.
Over the last five decades, Laos and the EU have built a deep and enduring relationship rooted in friendship, trust and shared aspirations. From development cooperation and trade to cultural exchange and connectivity, our partnership has delivered real progress for our people.
As we look ahead, the EU reaffirms its commitment to stand alongside Laos. Together, we will continue working for a future built on sustainability, connectivity and our shared values.

Political Cooperation

The European Union’s political cooperation with countries around the world began in the 1970s and became more structured in the 1990s with the launch of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
For Laos, a key milestone was the signing of the Cooperation Agreement in 1997, which created a framework for dialogue on governance, the rule of law and international cooperation. Since then, political relations have grown through regular Joint Committee Meetings under the Cooperation Agreement, co-chaired by the Lao Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Managing Director of the European External Action Service (EEAS), and through Laos’ active role in ASEAN, which links the bilateral partnership to the broader ASEAN-EU relationship.

Under Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, significant progress was made in strengthening ASEAN-EU relations. Notable milestones include the visit to Vientiane by EU High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in July 2024 to attend the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference and the ASEAN Regional Forum.

Other high-level visits have given additional momentum to the partnership, such as Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen’s trip to Vientiane in 2024 to launch an EU flagship programme on sustainable agriculture, and European Council President Charles Michel’s participation in the East Asia Summit later that year.
During these visits, bilateral meetings were held with Lao leaders, further reinforcing political dialogue and underscoring the shared commitment to advancing the Laos-EU partnership within both the bilateral and regional contexts.

Today, political cooperation between Laos and the EU covers governance, security, human rights and sustainable development, while also addressing regional and global challenges such as climate change. Looking ahead, both sides see opportunities to deepen their partnership further through stronger dialogue and closer cooperation in these areas.

Development Cooperation

In the early years, EU support focused on helping Laos overcome the tragic legacy of past conflict. UXO (unexploded ordnance) clearance was one of our first priorities — a humanitarian commitment to saving lives, restoring safety and reclaiming land for development. Through sustained support for UXO clearance and risk education, countless hectares of land were returned to productive use, enabling communities to farm, build schools and live without fear, reflecting the EU’s dedication to peace, security and human dignity.
But our cooperation has also evolved alongside Laos’ own transformation. The EU has stood with Laos as a reliable partner in its national development path, supporting progress towards a more inclusive, green and resilient future, while investing in skills development, education and vocational training to empower people and strengthen the country’s human capital.
Over the past ten years, the EU in Laos has worked under a “Team Europe” approach, combining the expertise and resources of Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg and Switzerland to maximise impact.

Working Together for Sustainable Development

The EU-Lao partnership is founded on a simple but powerful belief: that development should be people-centred, inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Together, we work to ensure that progress reaches every community — from mountain villages to growing towns.
The EU has supported Laos in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and in implementing its National Socio-Economic Development Plans. Our cooperation promotes good governance, social equity and economic opportunity, ensuring that growth is balanced by environmental responsibility and respect for human rights.

Promoting a Green and Inclusive Future

The EU has been a long-standing partner in helping to modernise and diversify agriculture. Together, we have worked to strengthen food security, improve nutrition and enhance farmers’ resilience to climate change. EU initiatives have helped introduce sustainable and climate-smart farming practices, improve access to markets and encourage the responsible use of land and water resources.
We also support high-value agricultural and forest-based value chains, such as coffee, tea and timber, promoting high-quality, sustainable production.
The EU and Laos share a commitment to environmental stewardship. Our partnership supports the protection of forests, biodiversity and natural ecosystems — vital assets for the country’s development and the planet’s health. Joint initiatives promote sustainable forest management, the restoration of degraded landscapes, and the shift towards renewable energy.
By encouraging sustainable investment and innovation, our cooperation helps Laos move towards a low-carbon, circular economy that benefits both people and nature.

Investing in People and Opportunities

People are at the centre of our partnership. The EU has made major investments in education, strengthening schools, vocational training and higher education systems to equip young men and women with the skills needed to thrive in a changing world.
We have supported initiatives that improve maternal and child health, combat malnutrition, and ensure communities have access to safe and sufficient food. Through these investments in people’s capacities and resilience, we empower communities and create the foundation for inclusive growth, enabling individuals and families to shape their own futures.

Connectivity and Infrastructure

The EU encourages regional integration, trade and sustainable tourism, helping Laos seize opportunities because of its central position in Southeast Asia. The EU’s Global Gateway initiative fosters sustainable investments in transport and road infrastructure. These improve connectivity within Laos and with the region, opening new opportunities for trade, mobility and economic growth while ensuring environmental and social sustainability.

A Partnership for the Future

Today, the EU is increasingly moving from a traditional donor to an equal development partner, emphasising quality investments that deliver lasting impact. We cooperate closely in strengthening governance, transparency and the rule of law. Support for public institutions and civil society helps ensure that development is participatory, accountable and effective.
We encourage the creation of an enabling business environment, creating opportunities for companies to invest responsibly in Laos and contribute to its economic transformation.
By linking people, markets and ideas, our partnership will continue to foster innovation and shared prosperity.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update December 10, 2025)