Malaysia Ratifies MEUPCA, Strengthens Strategic Ties With EU

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has ratified the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between Malaysia and the European Union (MEUPCA), marking a significant milestone in relations between Malaysia and the European Union (EU).

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, said the ratification was acknowledged by the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union following Malaysia’s notification submitted on May 8.

The ministry said the ratification followed the completion of the necessary domestic legal procedures for the agreement’s entry into force, in line with the provisions under Articles 58 and 59 of the agreement.

Signed in Brussels, Belgium on Dec 14, 2022, the MEUPCA will come into force after all parties complete their respective domestic ratification procedures. To date, 21 EU member states have completed the process.

According to Wisma Putra, the agreement reflects Malaysia’s continued commitment to strengthening strategic engagement with one of the world’s largest economic blocs.

The MEUPCA establishes a comprehensive institutional framework to expand long-term cooperation between Malaysia and the EU in areas including trade and investment, security, science and technology, green technology, renewable energy, health, education, transportation, tourism and culture.

The ministry said the ratification came after extensive deliberations and inter-agency consultations involving 38 ministries and agencies, including the Sabah and Sarawak state governments, particularly on matters related to green technology, energy, environment and water governance.

It said the agreement is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s attractiveness as a destination for quality investments and high-value economic cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable development, digitalisation, advanced manufacturing and resilient supply chains.

The EU remained one of Malaysia’s key economic partners, with total trade between Malaysia and the bloc increasing by 4.2 per cent to RM228.04 billion (US$53.36 billion) in 2025, compared with RM218.91 billion (US$47.95 billion) in 2024.

The ministry added that a Joint Committee will be established under the agreement to coordinate implementation, facilitate dialogue and address issues relating to the interpretation and application of the MEUPCA, with meetings expected to be held regularly on a rotational basis between Malaysia and the EU.

-- BERNAMA