KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has ratified the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between Malaysia and the European Union (MEUPCA).
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 on Saturday (May 16) said the ratification followed the completion of the necessary domestic legal procedures for the agreement to enter into force, in accordance with Articles 58 and 59 of the agreement.
Signed in Brussels, Belgium, on Dec 14, 2022, the MEUPCA will enter into force once all parties have completed their respective domestic ratification procedures. To date, 21 EU member states have completed the process.
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 followed deliberations and consultations involving 38 ministries and agencies on matters related to green technology, energy, the environment, and water governance.
It said the agreement is expected to enhance Malaysia’s attractiveness as a destination in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable development, digitalisation, manufacturing, and supply chains.
The EU remains one of Malaysia’s key economic partners, with total trade between Malaysia and the bloc increasing by 4.2% to RM228.04bil (US$53.36bil) in 2025, compared with RM218.91bil (US$47.95bil) 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
