RELATIONS WITH THE EU
The European Union and Malaysia
Malaysia is an important partner for the EU. Malaysia is the EU's second largest trade partner in the South East Asian region, whilst the EU is Malaysia's fourth largest trading partner. In 2022, the EU imported €35.6 billion (RM182 billion) from Malaysia and exported €14.7 billion (RM72 billion) to Malaysia.
EU-Malaysia relations go beyond trade. The EU supports a wide range of cooperation projects that benefit Malaysia in areas such as higher education, human rights, and sustainable economic development. Malaysian authorities and civil society organisations receive EU cooperation funding under different programmes.
Political Relations
Malaysia, an emerging economy of 32 million people, plays an important role in the EU's efforts to reach out to the entire world. With its cultural, ethnic and religious diversity, Malaysia mirrors European diversity and is a good partner on the global stage.
Cooperation in trade and economic issues has been the driving force for closer ties between the EU and Malaysia.
The EU also cooperates with Malaysia in areas under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) such as maritime security, export control, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) risk.
Economic Relations, Trade, Investment
The EU prioritises the promotion of bilateral trade and investment in Malaysia. Working with local chambers of commerce, including the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (EuroCham) and the chambers of commerce and business councils of the EU Member States present in Malaysia, we are bringing EU experience and practical knowledge, skills and investment to assist Malaysia in its efforts to develop into a high-income economy.
Enhancing Malaysia's commercial competitiveness in the EU (and elsewhere), economic development cooperation is centred on raising standards and business practices. EU carries out activities in diverse sectors ranging from environmental services, fisheries and logistics to information technology and beyond. Economic cooperation is implemented through, amongst others, government ministries and agencies responsible for international trade, investment, health, competition and environmental policies.
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Sustainable Development and Green Economy
Sustainable development is a top policy for both the EU and Malaysia. The EU supports green growth through sustainable practices, which preserve biodiversity, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and ensure a better quality of life. The EU will also support Malaysia’s commitment to Global Methane Pledge and the Declaration on Forests and Land Use.
The EU's environmental cooperation with Malaysia covers a range of areas, from green technology to renewable energy and sustainable forest management. The EU also supports the Malaysian Economic Planning Unit (EPU) in developing a national plan on sustainable consumption and production, which includes initiatives to promote green public procurement, eco-labelling as well as to raise standards and develop incentives for green production. Other projects include support to small producers of the biomass and batik industries, and protecting peatland forests.
Human Rights, Democracy, Civil Society Dialogue
The EU's cooperation in the area of human rights, women’s rights, democracy and civil society dialogue aims to strengthen the role of Malaysian civil society in promoting human rights and democratic reforms. The EU promotes various human rights issues, including indigenous rights, rights of migrant children, freedom of the press and the abolition of the death penalty.
The EU provides support to civil society organisations financially under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and through regular dialogue with the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) and the Malaysian Bar Council.
The EU also focuses its cooperation efforts in migration and asylum programmes in Malaysia, and has funded projects and the capacity building of local civil society organisations that work to promote the rights of migrants and asylum-seekers.
The EU's human rights priorities in Malaysia include:
- The abolition of the death penalty.
- The promotion of the ratification of core human rights conventions.
- The promotion of children's, women's and indigenous peoples' rights.
- The promotion of freedom of religion and belief.