The Maldives and the European Union have elevated their bilateral engagement into a formal Partnership Dialogue framework, marking a new phase in relations that now extends beyond annual officials’ meetings into structured political, economic and security cooperation.
The first Maldives–European Union Partnership Dialogue was hosted in Malé on 9 February 2026. The engagement builds on Senior Officials’ Meetings held since 2020, but reflects a broader institutional shift following the Maldives’ signing of the Samoa Agreement on 1 July 2024. The agreement has provided the basis for formalising dialogue between the Maldives and the EU under a more comprehensive partnership framework.
The high-level discussions covered democratic governance, human rights, climate action, maritime and regional security, trade, fisheries and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to democratic values and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and the need to maintain space for civil society.
Political and economic developments in both jurisdictions were reviewed, with particular attention to infrastructure development, financial management, anti-corruption efforts, digital transformation, education and economic diversification. The Maldives expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support for democratic processes, including follow-up work linked to the European Union’s Election Observation Missions, whose most recent visit concluded in November 2025. The EU signalled its intention to continue support in these areas.
The EU also encouraged the Maldives to comply with commitments undertaken as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In parallel, the Maldives acknowledged EU-backed capacity-building initiatives, including maritime cooperation under the CRIMARIO programme, which supports the protection of key sea lanes. Security cooperation was identified as a central pillar of the partnership, with both sides outlining practical avenues for further collaboration.
Trade discussions focused on expanding bilateral exchange and improving market access for Maldivian fish products within the EU market. The dialogue also addressed tariff barriers and domestic reform efforts aimed at attracting investment and supporting long-term economic growth.
Climate and environmental cooperation featured prominently. The two sides expressed commitment to finalising a financing agreement under the Annual Action Programme 2025 for a “Community-based Mangrove Protection and Rehabilitation in the Maldives” project. The proposed agreement is expected to allocate an additional EUR 4 million towards mangrove conservation. The EU also highlighted its offer to provide Earth Observation data through its Copernicus satellite system, alongside new programmes aimed at countering the exploitation of digital technologies by terrorist and criminal networks.
The Maldives further requested consideration for inclusion among countries exempt from Schengen visa requirements.
Regional developments in the Indo-Pacific were also discussed, with both parties reiterating support for multilateralism and a rules-based international order centred on the United Nations.
The dialogue concluded with agreement to translate discussions into practical outcomes, and both sides indicated that the second Partnership Dialogue could be hosted in Brussels in 2027.
The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya and Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific at the European External Action Service.
