José Luis- Head of Cooperation, Delegation of European Union to Nepal

The reference to a great academic event in Embark College, when Mr. Jose Luis, the co-Head of Cooperation in the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal, made a fantastic and educational presentation on the external dimension of the EU and its partnership relations with Nepal for the longest time. The event, organised in the presence of students, faculty members, and invitees, provided practical learning on the European Union development strategy at the global level and on how it continues to help Nepal in the process of sustainable development.

Covering on the broad subject namely, the European Union in Nepal, Mr. Luis presented a systematic outline of the structure of the European Union, its external relations, and the actual schemes being implemented in Nepal. His statement was illuminating as well as opportune in pushing the EU to take an interest in the development of Nepal, under a multi-sectoral partnership.

Learning the Global Framework of the EU
Mr Luis started by decomposing the intricate yet well-orchestrated institutional system that covers the external activity of the European Union. He described the functions of EU institutions, which play important roles:

The European Council, on behalf of the 28 EU Member States,

The EU Citizens elected to represent them in the European Parliament.

The European Commission acts as the executive branch.

It is the European External Action Service (EEAS), the diplomatic service of the EU.

Other linked but supportive bodies also noted by him were there is control, legal, and good governance of the entire EU operations were the European Court of Justice and European Court of Auditors.

The EU external dimension has well beyond European boundaries the role of the EU in the world, as Mr. Luis says, where there is its external role such as trade (DG TRADE), humanitarian aid (DG ECHO), international partnerships (DG INTPA), and sector specific policies with special Directorates-General, like DG CLIMA, DG ENERGY, DG TRANSPORT, and so on.

51 Years of the EU in Nepal: A friendly face
The presence of the EU in Nepal dates back more than half a century, and this imparts a rich history of diplomatic relations and a development partnership. Mr. Luis highlighted that the Delegation of the European Union in Nepal not only represents the diplomatic affairs but also acts as an active aid to development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and institutional partnerships.

Describing the central roles and activities of the EU Delegation in Nepal, he referred that such a delegate is, first of all, the representation on the ground of EU policy, the development and the humanitarian aid programmes management, and the coordination work in terms of collaborating with the EU institutions in Brussels.

Thematic priorities and Financial commitment
The EU-supported development cooperation with Nepal is nowadays developed within the NDICI (Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument) that is based on a medium-term financial framework (MFF 2021-2027). The EU had spent an estimated EUR 200.9 million in Nepal between 2021 and 2024, with a forecast of an additional EUR 113 million in 2025-2027.

Mr. Luis articulated that the strategic basis of EU cooperation with Nepal is in the three priority areas:

Green Growth Efforts – Spreading sustainable action on climate and the use of natural resources. Human Development- improving education, health, and social protection. Governance and Human Rights- consolidation of democracy, justice, and protection of human rights.

He also presented the new EU idea of the Global Gateway: an initiative that seeks to enforce connectivity by means of energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, as well as to boost investment and partnership with the private sector. The initiative is designed with a 360-degree direction as where governance, human development, social safety, and economic climate have been merged together to come up with a united strategy.

Instruments of implementation and strategy
An important part of the speech by Mr. Luis was devoted to the practical tools with the help of which the EU has to achieve its development goals. These include:

Funds given to NGOs and multilateral institutions

Works/Equipment and service contracts

Funding of the partner government, jointly with Budget support

Blended finance represents a combination of EU grants and borrowed funds (in the form of loans) of the international financial institutions (e.g., World Bank, ADB, EIB)

Insure plans with financial organizations to spur investment

This extensive tool kit makes the EU aid flexible, performance-based, and in line with the priorities of the development of Nepal.

Mr. Jose Luis finished his presentation with the reiteration of the commitment of the European Union to the long-term development and resilience of Nepal. His statements made a good testimony to the long-lasting and developing EU-Nepal relationship, which was based on proper respect, shared values, and a commitment to pursue inclusive and sustainable development.