European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday and discussed a range of issues relating to Bangladesh’s upcoming elections, reforms and bilateral issues. The hour-long meeting, which began around 11 am, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present at the meeting. Chinese Ambassador meets foreign secy, discusses various issues Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Khosru said, “We had an extensive discussion regarding the overall political and economic situation in Bangladesh, as well as bilateral matters.” He said they also talked about Bangladesh’s upcoming general election, the ongoing reform initiatives, and the restoration of democratic processes. The BNP leader said the EU is keen to assist Bangladesh in building capacity to strengthen the electoral process and various institutions through reforms.

The European Union outlined the actions Apple must take to improve the compatibility of its iPhone and iPad operating systems with competing technologies. This marks the first time the EU has enforced compliance with its Digital Markets Act (DMA), a digital rulebook introduced last year. Nvidia partners with Disney to propel generalist robotics forward The European Commission initiated two “specification proceedings” last year to detail the steps Apple needs to follow to meet the DMA requirements. The commission's decision outlined measures to enhance access to Apple’s iOS operating system for third-party devices, such as smartwatches. It also included steps to improve the transparency and efficiency of the process for software developers to request access to iPhone features. Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, stated in a press release that the measures provide “regulatory certainty” for both Apple and developers. She added that "effective interoperability" for third-party devices will offer consumers better choices in the rapidly expanding market for connected devices. Apple, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, claiming it would harm the company's products and European users. The company argued that the new rules would create unnecessary bureaucracy, slowing innovation in Europe and forcing Apple to give away new features for free to companies not bound by the same regulations. Apple affirmed that it would continue to engage with the European Commission to address its concerns on behalf of users. The Commission also announced that Google had not done enough to comply with the DMA. Despite some changes, such as removing flight listings, Google continued to prioritize its own services in search results. Additionally, Google failed to allow app developers to direct users to cheaper alternatives outside its Google Play Store, according to preliminary findings. Google acquires cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion in its largest-ever deal In response, Google stated that the EU's findings would require it to make further changes to how search results are displayed, which the company believes would hinder users from finding what they need and reduce traffic to European businesses. Google described this approach as "misguided."

The European Union (EU) on Wednesday launched a project to support around 8,000 individuals severely affected by the violence and disruption which occurred in the context of the July-August 2024 uprising in Bangladesh. The “Pathways to Healing: A Survivor Centred Approach to Address Violence and Human Rights Violations” intervention will be implemented by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in close collaboration with the government of Bangladesh and other stakeholders. The EUR 2 million grant project is fully funded by the European Union and is scheduled to be implemented until August 2026, said the EU Embassy in Dhaka. EU to support Bangladesh in holding elections meeting international standards The primary focus of the initiative is to improve the physical and psychological well-being of survivors of violence, to enhance their economic resilience, and to strengthen social cohesion, as both the government of Bangladesh and the EU identify that severe needs continue to exist. To achieve these goals, the project will provide access to medical services and rehabilitation, as well as assistive devices to those facing physical challenges; support existing health facilities with pharmaceutical products and medical equipment; offer tailored mental health and psychosocial support, including counselling and referrals, and support a help line facility to ensure sustainable assistance; support recovery and diversification of income-generating activities to foster community cohesion and resilience; and organise opportunities for dialogue and collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders to foster social cohesion. The project will be implemented in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions, targeting persons directly affected by last year’s events, including students, workers, journalists, their families, and otEU to provide 68mn Euros for Rohingyas, host community: Commissioner Lahbibhers.   An important objective is to ensure continuity of support beyond the project period through strong coordination with government agencies and stakeholders, integration into existing government health and social support systems, and sustainable livelihood market linkages, said the EU Embassy.

The European Union (EU) will support Bangladesh to conduct elections in line with international standards with a significant financial package as well as its experiences and expertise. “The EU will support the conduct of elections in this country in line with international standards,” said EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Sunday. He said this while talking to reporters after a meeting between a five-member EU delegation and Chief Election Commissioners AMM Nasir Uddin at the latter's office in the capital. The EU ambassador said they will provide this support with a significant financial package as well as offering their experiences and expertise in the conduct of elections in Bangladesh. The EU also wants to deploy an election observation mission in Bangladesh, he added. He said they passed two other key messages through the Bangladesh Election Commission. Raising the messages, he said the EU is a steadfast partner for this country and standing with Bangladesh at this moment of incredibly important transition. EU supports interim govt’s reform ambition: Hadja Lahbib About the remaining message, Miller said, “EU is looking to reinforce its partnership with Bangladesh on all its dimensions.” He said they are working to support the reform ambition of the interim government in conducting the election in line with expectations of its own citizens as expressed last year and the ongoing manners. Later, CEC AMM Nasir Uddin said the EU wants to see an election to be held in line with international standards. “They want a free, fair and credible election. It is also our promise towards the nation. We also want it too.” He said his commission is working neutrally. “We’re working in a very transparent way.”  He said the EU actually came to the EC to know the EC’s preparation for the upcoming national election. “We also informed them about our works and preparations we are doing for the next election,” he said. EU keen to exchange “good practices, preparedness strategies" with Bangladesh Nasir Uddin said the EU delegation asked the EC whether it had enough money to conduct the election. But the EC replied that there is no problem about money as it has already sent a budget proposal to the government in this regard, he said. “They clearly informed us that they are ready to assist us in every way possible,” said the CEC.

The European Union executive on Wednesday announced plans for a major revamp of its economic strategy to meet demands of the bloc's captains of industry who have long complained about excessive taxation, sky high energy prices and an overbearing bureaucracy that makes the bloc unattractive. At the same time, environmental groups say that far-reaching deregulation and the boosting of conditions for energy-intensive companies will come at the cost to the EU's ambitious climate targets. Speaking to a conference of industrial leaders in the Belgian port city of Antwerp, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that “we want to cut the ties that still hold you back. So that Europe can be not only a continent of industrial innovation, but also a continent of industrial production.” EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra called it “a game changer for Europe’s economy," adding the package of plans was the reaction needed to reverse years of decline in the global marketplace. “We’re all too aware that our slow economic growth, our dependencies and the fragmented market we still operate in are increasingly a problem, particularly against a backdrop of volatile geopolitics,” he said. EU Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said that with the United States becoming a more uncertain ally by the week, the plan should be seen as a “call to action” to set EU industries free from excessive constraints and provide them with aid where necessary. Trump warns Zelenskyy to quickly negotiate war's end with Russia or risk not having a nation to lead "Put simply, we cannot hope or expect to successfully compete in a perilous world with one hand tied behind our backs," Dombrovskis said. Under such conditions there are fears climate commitments could suffer, but Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who spoke ahead of von der Leye,n insisted choices had to be made. “There is no point in subjecting our industries to regulations that push them out of the markets, forcing them to relocate to regions with less strict climate policies. Neither our economy nor the climate benefits from such an outcome,” he said. In the package of plans ranging from cutting red tape to containing energy prices, the executive commission came up with investments totaling hundreds of billions and savings totaling ten of billions of euros (dollars). For example, Hoekstra said, plans include a “industrial decarbonization” bank, which could raise up to 100 billion euros in the next 10 years. “But then, if you leverage that, if you put private sector money next to that, you could easily add up to a number of 400 billion.” The plans will now go to the EU parliament and the capitals of the 27 member states for further assessment before they can be turned into laws and regulations. Environmental groups already rang the alarm, arguing the plans stand to profit especially fossil fuel intensive companies like steel plants and cement factories. Migrant groups report surge in racist attacks across German city The European Environmental Bureau, which groups 180 nongovernmental organizations in 41 countries, said that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had effectively reneged on her 2019 European Green Deal, which was long seen as a global standard-bearer. “The European Green Deal was hailed as a ‘man on the moon’ moment,” the EEB said in a statement. “Today, the narrative seems tailored primarily to energy-intensive industries and big corporations. But industrial policy should prioritise public interest, not just industry demands.” Von der Leyen said she would make sure that the environment, or social justice, wouldn't suffer from her deregulation plans. “Let me be clear. Our climate and social goals do not change. Because our commitment to the social market economy is unwavering,” she said.

The world economy resisted battering by conflicts and inflation last year and is expected to grow a subdued 2.8% in 2025, the United Nations said Thursday. In “World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025,” U.N. economists wrote that their positive prediction was driven by the strong although slowing growth forecast for China and the United States and by the robust performances anticipated for India and Indonesia. The European Union, Japan, and United Kingdom are expected to experience modest recovery, the report says. “We are in a period of stable, subpar growth,” said Shantanu Mukherjee, chief of the Global Economic Monitoring Branch at the Economic Analysis and Policy Division at the U.N.'s Department of Economic and Social Affairs. “This may sound a bit like what we were saying last year, but actually if you lift the hood and take a peek at the engine things are humming,” he said. The report says the U.S. economy outperformed expectations last year thanks to consumer and public-sector spending, but growth is expected to slow from 2.8% to 1.9% this year. The report points out that China sees its own strong growth slowing slightly from 4.9% in 2024 to 4.8% in 2025 due to lower consumption and property-sector weaknesses that are failing to make up for public investment and export strength. This is forcing the government to enact policies to lift property markets, fight local government debt and boost demand. Read: ADB, WTO strengthen collaboration for sustainable economic growth in Asia-Pacific region China's “shrinking population and rising trade and technology tensions, if unaddressed, could undermine medium-term growth prospects,” the report reads. The U.N. projected last January that 2024 global economic growth would be 2.4%. It said Thursday that the rate was estimated to have been higher, at 2.8%. Both remain below the 3% rate that the world saw before the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020. European growth this year is projected to gradually pick up after a weaker than expected performance in 2024. Japan is poised to pick up from periods of near-recession and recession. India is expected to drive a strong outlook for South Asia, with regional growth projected at 5.7% in 2025 and 6% in 2026. India's 6.6% growth forecast for 2025 is backed by solid private consumption and investment growth, the report says. “The global reduction of poverty over the past 30 years has been driven by strong economic performance. This has been especially true in Asia, where rapid economic growth and structural transformation have allowed countries such as China, India, and Indonesia to achieve poverty alleviation unprecedented in scale and scope,” the report says. Read mor: Japan reaffirms commitment to support Bangladesh’s reform agenda and economic growth “The world economy has largely avoided a broad-based contraction despite the unprecedented shocks of the last few years and the most prolonged period of monetary tightening in history,” said Li Junhua, director, of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division at the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. However, he cautioned, “the recovery remains driven primarily by a few large economies.”

Appreciating the longstanding relationship between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU), Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday sought support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) in human capital development, with particular emphasis on vocational training. He noted that the large number of Bangladeshis living abroad could better contribute in both economies through skills development. With regard to the EIB-financed projects in Bangladesh, Hossain hoped for efficient and expedited disbursement as per commitment. The issues were discussed when visiting Vice President of the EIB Nicola Beer met with the Foreign Affairs Adviser at the latter’s office. Read: EU and EIB pledged support for Bangladesh's environmental protection priorities: Rizwana

Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said they all understand that the solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis is "political" and said they should work with Dhaka to promote a ‘Whole of Cox’s Bazar’ approach. "All of us, Bangladesh, the EU and most importantly the Rohingya themselves, wish to see returns. But, conditions for safe, sustainable, voluntary and dignified return do not currently exist," he told UNB, sharing his experience of visiting the Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar recently. EuroCham launched, seen as new milestone in Bangladesh-EU business relations In the meantime, therefore, an "evolution" is needed in the response to allow more work on resilience, said the Ambassador. This means, according to him, giving due consideration to allowing the construction of sturdier shelters that will make donor funding last longer, and for which there is a series of prototypes currently being tested. "It should also mean exploring how to promote greater resilience for the refugees and opening up digital education to avoid a situation in which desperate people are vulnerable to crime, exploitation and recruitment to fight in Myanmar," Ambassador Miller said. EU allocates €300,000 in humanitarian aid to gutted Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps The European Union recognises the burden borne by Bangladesh in hosting the Rohingya refugees, he said. Bangladesh is hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. In 2024, the EU has allocated EUR 43 million in humanitarian funding for the Rohingya response, for immediate disbursement, and a further EUR 35 million in development funding for the next three years. "We are supporting both the refugees and host communities. This is why I visited Cox’s Bazar in October to understand what the situation is on the ground, to listen to Bengalis (Bangladeshis) and Rohingya and to consider how to maximise the impact and sustainability of our financing," said Ambassador Miller. President seeks global support to solve Rohingya issue "Security, or rather insecurity", was the number one topic that he heard in the camps, he said. "Outside the camps, we have worked, and continue to work, to promote a dynamic economy at the interface between the local economy and the camps. I only heard positive noises on our cooperation, reinforcing my sense that we should work with Dhaka to promote a ‘Whole of Cox’s Bazar’ approach," the EU envoy added. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently proposed organizing an all stakeholders’ international conference on the Rohingya issue. "It has already received widespread international support," said Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam. He expressed hope that this high-level conference will build political consensus on a realistic framework for the sustainable repatriation and reintegration of the Rohingya in Myanmar.

The European Union on Wednesday informed the interim government that it is ready to support Bangladesh in every possible way in its reform initiatives and fight against corruption. “The message is very clear. The European Union is with you. We want to support your reform (initiatives),” Paola Pampaloni, Director, Asia and Pacific Department of European External Action Service told Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus confirming the support of 27 member states of the European Union for Bangladesh. She expressed the readiness of the European countries to support Bangladesh when she called on the Chief Adviser at his office at Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Wednesday. Michael Miller, the ambassador and head of delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, was also present. Pampaloni said that there will be no shortage of funds for reform, and they will also provide Bangladesh’s interim government with technical support for accomplishing the job.  

The European Union (EU) has underlined the importance of ensuring due process at all stages of the legal proceedings and expressed "concern" about the legal framework of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which "should be revised" as soon as possible to bring it in line with international human rights standards. Paying respect to the victims and survivors of the violent crackdown on protestors in July-August, as well as prior human rights violations, Bangladesh and the EU recently discussed the importance of transitional justice. They agreed on the need to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable. Both sides agreed on the need to address the human rights concerns of women, children, and persons belonging to minorities and marginalised groups. No one should live in fear of violence, harassment or discrimination while law and order "should be ensured" for all, including the most vulnerable, according to the EU. The interim government says it condemns any kind of violence and does not want to see any violence. The 11th meeting of the sub-group on good governance and human rights of the EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission was held in Dhaka recently under the framework of the EU-Bangladesh Cooperation Agreement. The sub-group was co-chaired by the head of the Bangladesh delegation, Mohammad Mohiuddin, head of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs division at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and by head of the European Union's delegation, Rensje Teerink, Head of Division for South Asia at the European External Action Service (EEAS). They were also joined by observers from the Embassies of the EU Member States in Dhaka. The sub-group reported to the Bangladesh-EU Joint Commission that addressed all areas of bilateral cooperation on Monday. "Very happy to be back in Dhaka to co-chair the 11th EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission. We reviewed the wide range of cooperation during these transitional times," said Deputy Managing Director for Asia Pacific Department at the European External Action Service Paola Pampaloni after the meeting. They conveyed EU support to reforms for an "inclusive" democratic transition. The EU and Bangladesh reinforced their commitment to "strengthen cooperation" in the field of human rights, good governance and on-going reform process of the interim government. They recognised that the political transition the country is currently undergoing constitutes an "unprecedented opportunity" to make progress on human rights and good governance in Bangladesh. Bangladesh-EU relations transforming from development-centric to wide-ranging strategic partnership: Paola Pampaloni They paid tribute to the courage and determination of the students and members of the general public that stood up for their rights – and remembered those that lost their lives – during the popular uprising in July-August. The EU welcomed the interim government’s "strong commitment" to advance reforms and take the necessary steps towards a "democratic, pluralistic and inclusive" Bangladesh that is grounded in the rule of law and human rights. This commitment is notably reflected in Bangladesh’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), and in the creation of a Commission of Inquiry on enforced disappearances, according to the EU. Announcements to repeal or swiftly amend some of the legislations that have been used to crush dissent and curtail fundamental freedoms, such as the Cyber Security Act, are further signals of this commitment. Bangladesh explained the process for carrying out structural reforms in several key areas, including through the recently established reform commissions. The EU welcomed the ongoing work of the commissions and underlined the importance of taking into account the realities and perspectives of the population in all its diversity, including women and minorities. The need for clarity over the further process of consultation and decision-making based on the commissions’ reports was discussed. The subgroup discussed a number of areas of reform, such as the justice sector, public administration, the security sector, and capacity building of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. Following up on the EU’s long-standing engagement with Bangladesh on labour rights, Bangladesh and the EU agreed on the urgency and opportunity to make progress in this regard, namely by making labour inspections more effective. The EU recalled that the preferential access of Bangladeshi exports to the European market is premised on the respect of international human rights and labour standards. Besides, the EU drew attention to recently adopted legislation that will reinforce the protection of human rights and labour rights, as well as improve environmental sustainability, throughout European supply chains, including for products from Bangladesh. Helpful Reference for Electoral Reforms Agreeing on the need for thorough electoral reforms, they acknowledged the recommendations of the EU Election Expert Mission of January 2024 as a "helpful reference" for Bangladesh to rebuild public trust in the electoral process and ensure that international standards on elections are upheld. The EU reiterated its great appreciation for Bangladesh temporarily hosting 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingya people on its territory. Measures to best meet the needs of the Rohingya people and host communities, as well as perspectives for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return were discussed.   The EU and Bangladesh expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in Rakhine that is seriously affecting the commencement of Rohingya repatriation. The EU encouraged the government of Bangladesh to further cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and to issue a standing invitation to UN Special Procedures in order to benefit from relevant expertise in the context of the country’s political transition. Bangladesh shared that the promotion and protection of human rights of all citizens is one of the priorities of the interim Government and it is working closely with the OHCHR in this regard. At the invitation of interim government, the UN is undertaking an independent UN Fact Finding Mission regarding the human rights violations committed in the context of the July-August student-led mass movement. Bangladesh underlined that the interim government would give due consideration to the recommendations of the UN Fact Finding Mission. They both expressed the expectation that, with Bangladesh’s renewed commitment to human rights and democracy, collaboration and alignment in multilateral human rights fora would increase.