ANN/THE VIENTIANE TIMES – Team Europe has significantly increased its financial commitment to Laos for the 2021–2025 period, raising its pledged support from EUR550 million to EUR672 million.
As of last month, EUR25.6 billion has already been mobilised through new projects, according to a press statement issued by the European Union (EU) delegation to Laos.
The updated figures were shared during the annual review of development cooperation in Vientiane. The meeting brought together development partners from EU member states, who reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing sustainable development and inclusive growth in Laos – reflected in the enhanced funding support.
Co-hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Team Europe Partners in Laos – which includes the European Union, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg and Switzerland – the meeting focused on progress under the Team Europe Strategy 2021-2025 and the EU’s Global Gateway initiative.
The Team Europe Strategy aims to align with Laos’ 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, supporting green and inclusive economic growth, investments in human capital and improvements in governance.
The Global Gateway is Team Europe’s strategy to engage with its partners in building high-quality, smart and sustainable infrastructure that fosters meaningful and effective connections.
This is implemented through a 360-degree approach, targeting interconnected sectors simultaneously to create lasting impact for both people and the planet.
For instance, by addressing road infrastructure, vocational education in agroforestry and tourism, and enhancing governance, the partnership helps build a more competitive private sector in the coffee, tea and forestry-based products value chains. This, in turn, generates domestic revenues which can be reinvested in social sectors.
During the review meeting, participants reflected on achievements in 2024 and discussed the Lao government’s priorities for 2025, highlighting key successes of programmes financed under the Team Europe Strategy.
