PAKISTAN and the European Unions relations established in 1962.

The first cooperation which was initiated

between the EU and Pakistan was in 1976. It was followed by a formal Commercial Cooperation Agreement in
1986. However, the 2004 Cooperation Agreement paved the way for closer relations. Since the start of this
cooperation, the Commission has committed more than 500 million to various projects and programs in
Pakistan. Currently, there are 48 bilateral and multilateral treaties between the EU and Pakistan, of which 47
have entered into force.
There are also over 86 projects currently in progress, covering a wide range of sectors. The relationship is
moving from what has traditionally been a more trade oriented relationship to a political and strategic one.
Pakistan-EU bilateral trade relations are governed by the Cooperation Agreement from 2004. Enhancing
bilateral trade and investment is also part of the EU-Pakistan 5-year Engagement Plan from 2012. Pakistan is a
major beneficiary of the trading opportunities offered by the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).
From 1 January 2014 Pakistan benefits from generous tariff preferences under the GSP+ arrangement aiming
to support sustainable development and good governance. In order to maintain GSP+ Pakistan has to keep
ratification and effectively implement 27 core international conventions on human and labour right,
environmental protection and good governance.
Pakistan has also developed strategic relationship with major EU States such as UK and France. UK is
cooperating with Pakistans police force on counter-terrorism including operational cooperation and capacity
building. Likewise, Pakistan and France are cooperating in the field of defence and our Navy and Air Force
have been the beneficiaries of the French defence equipment. The institutional structure of EU limits enhanced
political and strategic relations with non-EU member states but EU can play a role within its institutional
structure and can initiate cooperation in several other areas to further expand existing trade relations. It can
add more content aimed at improving health facilities and education in Pakistan and can also enhance
investment in infrastructure development for sustained economic growth.
The EU-Pakistan Cooperation Agreement entered into force in 2004 by reinforcing political dialogue andJoint
Commissions that meet on a regular basis. European Union is not only the economic power house of the world
it excels in globalgovernance and human rights. EU- Pakistan relations are multi-layered. It is Pakistans
largest trading partner and has always provided Pakistan with humanitarian assistance at the time of natural
calamities. Like any traditional relationship, this association also needs tobe further bolstered in wake of global
pressure. On one side Pakistan should focus on its commitments towards rule of law, transparency, encourage
participation, accountability and sustainability. Pakistan should also focus on meeting the requirements relating
to labour laws and environmental conventions. The business communityof Pakistan needs to explore the
European market and exploit it to its maximum potential. Keeping in view the volume of tradebetween India and
EU, Pakistan still lags behind greatly as its exports have captured only 0.33% of EU markets. Also, there are
issues of illegal immigrations to Europe; Pakistan and EU should work out an institutionalized solution to the
problem. This will help in mitigating adverse effects of anti-immigration policies of some European countries.