ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has signed a euro 60 million credit financing agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to fund priority water and sanitation infrastructure projects across the country. According to the Economic Affairs Division, the agreement was signed on the margins of the 15th European Union (EU)-Pakistan Joint Commission held in Brussels. After 2015, the first loan was signed with the EIB, which aims to support priority water and sanitation infrastructure projects. Pakistan expressed interest in continued EIB support for development projects of national importance. The Plenary Session of the Joint Commission was co-chaired by Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Ms. Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, European External Action Service. Co-financing: List of 12 potential projects shared with EIB The Joint Commission reviewed political and economic developments and discussed the EU-Pakistan cooperation across key areas, including democracy, governance, human rights, trade and investment, development, migration, climate and energy, science and technology, within the framework of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP). Both sides reaffirmed their longstanding partnership and shared commitment to regional stability. Meetings of the sub-groups on democracy and human rights, trade, and development cooperation were held in advance of the Joint Commission. These discussions focused on strengthening cooperation under GSP+, improving the business environment, advancing governance and human rights reforms, and aligning development cooperation with Pakistan’s national priorities and the EU’s Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP). In the area of development cooperation, both sides reaffirmed priority areas of green inclusive growth, human capital development, and governance. Pakistan welcomed continued EU and Team Europe support for climate resilience and sustainable development. The Joint Commission also reviewed progress under the EU-Pakistan Comprehen-sive Dialogue on Migration and Mobility, including cooperation on return and readmission and legal migration pathways under the Talent Partnership. Both sides welcomed recent high-level engagements, including the 7th Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels on 21 November 2025. The EU and Pakistan exchanged views on regional and global developments and reiterated the importance of peaceful conflict resolution in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. It was agreed that the next session of the EU-Pakistan Joint Commission will be held in Islamabad in 2026. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025