EU and Bhutan Celebrate Europe Day in Thimphu

EU and Bhutan Celebrate Europe Day in Thimphu

European Union Film Festival to be inaugurated in Bhutan on 21st May

Thimphu, Bhutan, 20 May 2026: The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bhutan today hosted its official Europe Day reception in Thimphu, marking a dual milestone: the 76^th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the foundational act of the European Union and over 40 years of enduring diplomatic partnership between the EU and Bhutan. The reception was hosted by H.E. Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the EU to India and Bhutan, in presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay as Chief Guest.

Europe Day, celebrated every May 9, commemorates the 1950 "Schuman Declaration" which laid a vision of peace, solidarity and shared prosperity among its founding members that led to what has become the European Union, a Union of 27 Member States, and one of the most advanced economies in the world, which ensures to its citizens a high quality of life.

"Europe Day celebration marks the foundation of our Union and serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through unity and partnership. For over forty years, the bond between the European Union and Bhutan has been defined by shared values, deep mutual respect and a distinct, enduring friendship putting people and sustainability at the center. As we look ahead, we are working hand-in-hand towards an investment-driven partnership model in our bilateral relationship, to develop Bhutan human capital and economic assets, offering opportunities for a resilient and sustainable growth model" said H.E. Ambassador Hervé Delphin.

Bilateral meetings and BATIF 2.0

During the course of his visit this week, Ambassador Delphin held/will be holding key bilateral meetings with senior government ministers and officials including H.E. Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, Honourable Prime Minister of Bhutan; H.E. Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs & External Trade; H.E. Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, Minister of Finance; H.E. Lyonpo Tshering, Minister of Home Affairs; H.E. Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock; H.E. Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment and Mr. Pema Lektup Dorji, Foreign Secretary of Bhutan. He was granted an audience with His Majesty The King. He will also have an audience with His Majesty The King.

The focus of exchanges is on the future trajectory of EU-Bhutan cooperation, specifically regarding private investments, green energy infrastructure, digital connectivity and education and information technology. Building directly on the momentum of the EU-Bhutan Business Forum, the talks aim to unlock concrete business-to-business investment opportunities across high-potential sectors, including agriculture and agro-food and agro-industry, renewable energy, hospitality and wellness sectors.

The programme of the EU Delegation also included meetings with the Governors of Bumthang, Trongsa, and Wangdue Phodrang as well as extensive field visits of EU-funded initiatives of local private entrepreneurship such as the Mountain Hazelnut project. The Ambassador will also deliver a keynote address at the Bhutan Agrifood Trade and Investment Forum (BATIF 2.0) on May 21st, as agro-food is one of the key areas of collaboration.

First-ever EU Film Festival in Bhutan

EU and Bhutan cooperation has also expanded into culture. Keen to offer the Bhutanese people a window to European culture through the universal language of cinema, the European Union will host the first-ever European Union Film Festival (EUFF) in Bhutan, to be inaugurated on May 21st at City Cinema, Thimphu. Over three days (21-23 May), the festival will showcase a curated selection of six films from across EU countries, reflecting a mutual desire to enrich cultural dialogue and offer Bhutanese audiences a window into Europe's rich cultural tapestry, diverse storytelling traditions and contemporary societal themes.

The festival will be officially inaugurated by the EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin and Minister of Foreign Affairs & External Trade Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel. The opening ceremony will commence at 17:00 pm on 21 May at City Cinema, followed by the premiere of the acclaimed Dutch film "Jippie No More!". This heartwarming coming-of-age story follows sixteen-year-old Jaap Peter as he navigates family tensions and first love during his sister's wedding at their grandfather's country house, ultimately discovering the true meaning of belonging and connection.

The European Union Film Festival screenings will be open to the public, providing a cultural platform for students, film enthusiasts, and public in Thimphu to engage with European cinema. All screenings are free and open to everyone with seating on first come first serve basis.

EU-Bhutan Partnership Over Four Decades

The EU-Bhutan partnership began in 1982 with the launch of a development cooperation project focused on renewable natural resources, followed by the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1985. Since then, the relationship has grown into a comprehensive partnership based on mutual respect, shared priorities, and a common vision for sustainable and inclusive development.

EU-Bhutan relations have gained strong positive momentum in recent years. EU-Bhutan Business Forum held in Brussels, Frankfurt, and Prague between 26-29 January 2026, has been successful in creating awareness on the potential investment opportunities in Bhutan and establishing first connections with European private sector in the agri, energy, IT and high-end wellness centres.

Over four decades of partnership, the EU has been one of the leading partners and a steadfast supporter of Bhutan's sustainable development and modernization efforts. Through the 2021-2027 EU-Bhutan Multiannual Indicative Programme (EUR 48 million), the EU focuses on three priority areas:

• Climate change and green growth,

• Good governance for inclusive socio-economic development, and

• Digital transition as a driver for change in education and public service delivery

In addition, the EU supports projects on sustainable tourism (EUR 1.3 million), civil society engagement and parliamentary strengthening (EUR 3.5 million), and private sector investments (EUR 1.3 million

EUFF Line-Up

Scheule of movies

Day 1 - Thursday, 21 May 2026

• 05:20 PM - 06:55 PM | Jippie No More! (Netherlands)

Day 2 - Friday, 22 May 2026

• 03:20 PM - 04:47 PM | Carmen (Malta)

• 05:30 PM - 06:50 PM | Living Large (Czech Republic)

Day 3 - Saturday, 23 May 2026

• 02:00 PM - 03:15 PM | A Boat in the Garden (Luxembourg/France)

• 03:35 PM - 05:10 PM | Gloria! (Italy)

• 05:30 PM - 07:13 PM | Four Souls of Coyote (Hungary

Jippie No More! (Netherlands): A coming-of-age story about sixteen-year-old Jaap Peter, who looks forward to his sister's wedding at their grandfather's country house. As family tensions and first love complicate the celebration, he begins to understand the meaning of belonging and emotional connection.

Carmen (Malta): Set in a small Mediterranean village, the film follows Carmen, who has spent her life caring for her brother, the local priest. When the Church abandons her, she is unexpectedly mistaken for the new priest, setting in motion a story of personal change and quiet resistance.

Living Large (Czech Republic): This film follows Ben, a twelve-year-old aspiring chef, as he deals with bullying, body image, and his parents' divorce. Told with humour and sensitivity, it is a story about confidence, resilience, and self-acceptance.

A Boat in the Garden (Luxembourg/France): Set in 1950s France, the film follows François, a young boy whose life changes when his father decides to build a boat in their garden. What begins as an unusual family project becomes a journey shaped by imagination, hope, and togetherness.

Gloria! (Italy): Set in an eighteenth-century girls' boarding school in Venice, the film follows Teresa, a young woman who, together with a group of musicians, creates bold and modern music that breaks with convention.

Four Souls of Coyote (Hungary): The film follows Native American protesters resisting the construction of an oil pipeline on ancestral land. Through the voice of a grandfather recounting an ancient creation story, the film links present-day environmental conflict with deeper spiritual and cultural questions.