Mr Mark Gallagher (4th from right), Mrs Bounkham Vorachit (3rd from right), Mr Maithong Thammavongsa (5th from right), ministers, deputy ministers and diplomats gather for a group photo during the Europe Day celebrations in Vientiane.

EU Delegation marks Europe Day, reaffirms strong ties with Laos

The European Union (EU) Delegation in Laos on May 7 celebrated the 75th anniversary of the historic Schuman Declaration that paved the way for the creation of the 27-member bloc.
This year’s Europe Day, held annually on the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, holds particular significance as it coincides with several other major anniversaries.
These major anniversaries comprise the 105th anniversary of the birth of former Lao President Kaysone Phomvihane, the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao PDR, and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, including this week’s 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.
These milestones offer a moment to reflect on shared histories, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to peace, unity, and cooperation; the founding principles of the European Union.

“The European Union remains steadfast in promoting peace, multilateralism, and a rules- based international order, values we share with the Lao PDR and ASEAN,” said the EU Ambassador, Mr Mark Gallagher.
“Even in an increasingly complex and contested world, we believe in unity in diversity and stand firm on the universal values we have built together in the United Nations since 1945.”
Looking ahead, 2025 will also see the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union and Laos. The EU remains deeply committed to deepening this enduring partnership and exploring new areas of cooperation in support of Laos’ sustainable development.
The EU will aim to increase trade and investment in Laos, especially in green sectors, supported by enhanced education and skills, and improved governance.
As the EU celebrates Europe Day, we also celebrate the strength of our partnership with Laos, grounded in mutual respect, and a shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous future.
Together we can uphold our values and stand strong in a more contested and unstable world.
The EU has been a key partner in Laos’s development since 1997, ranking among the top bilateral donors focused on advancing socio-economic development in the country, especially in the areas of education, food and nutrition security, and good governance. The bloc provided about EUR 250 million of development cooperation to Laos in 2014-2020. 
Those who attended the Europe Day celebration event included the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mrs Bounkham Vorachit; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Maithong Thammavongsa; ministers; deputies ministers and foreign diplomats.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 9, 2025)