RATIFICATION OF THE MALAYSIA–EU PARTNERSHIP AND COOPERATION AGREEMENT (MEUPCA)

RATIFICATION OF THE MALAYSIA-EU PARTNERSHIP AND COOPERATION

AGREEMENT (MEUPCA)

Malaysia has on 11 May 2026 ratified the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between Malaysia and the European Union (MEUPCA), following the acknowledgement by the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union (EU) of Malaysia's notification submitted on 8 May 2026.

Malaysia's ratification of the MEUPCA followed the necessary domestic legal procedures for the entry into force of the Agreement, in accordance with its Article 58, paragraph 1, and Article 59.

The MEUPCA, which was signed on 14 December 2022 in Brussels, Belgium, will enter into force upon the completion of domestic ratification procedures by all parties. Apart from Malaysia, 21 EU Member States have completed their respective ratification processes.

The ratification marks a significant milestone in Malaysia-EU relations and reflects Malaysia's continued commitment towards strengthening strategic engagement with one of the world's largest economic blocs. The MEUPCA establishes a comprehensive institutional framework to expand and coordinate long-term cooperation between Malaysia and the EU across a broad range of strategic sectors, including trade and investment, security, science and technology, green technology, renewable energy, environment, health, education, transportation, employment, public administration, tourism and culture.

The ratification comes after years of detailed deliberations, extensive inter-agency consultations, and careful assessment by the Government. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the Agreement, 38 Ministries and agencies participated in a series of consultations examining the implications of the MEUPCA at both Federal and State levels, including the State Governments of Sabah and Sarawak, on matters relating to green technology, energy, environment, and water governance.

The MEUPCA is also expected to further strengthen Malaysia's attractiveness as a destination for quality investments and high-value economic cooperation, particularly in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable development, digitalisation, advanced manufacturing, green technology, and resilient supply chains. In this regard, the MEUPCA supports Malaysia's broader economic transformation agenda under the MADANI Economy framework, including efforts to promote sustainable growth, industrial resilience, technological advancement, and good governance.

The EU remains one of Malaysia's most important economic partners. In 2025, the EU was Malaysia's fifth-largest trading partner. Malaysia's total trade with the EU increased by 4.2 per cent to RM228.04 billion (USD53.36 billion), compared with RM218.91 billion (USD47.95 billion) in 2024.

Beyond economic cooperation, the MEUPCA also establishes a structured and constructive platform for dialogue on strategic and sensitive issues of mutual concern, including sustainability standards and market-related measures affecting Malaysian exports.

The MEUPCA will be a pivotal platform for a stronger Malaysia-EU partnership to generate greater benefits to Malaysia and the EU Member States in the evolving global landscape.

A Joint Committee (JC) will be established to ensure effective implementation of the MEUPCA. The JC will serve as a formal institutional mechanism to coordinate implementation, identify priorities for cooperation, facilitate dialogue, and address issues relating to the interpretation and application of the Agreement. The JC is expected to convene regularly on a rotational basis between Malaysia and the EU.

PUTRAJAYA

16 May 2026