
The Delegation of European Union (EU) to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam hosted a media gathering at the EU Residence. During the event, European Union Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Vincent Guérend delivered an update on the state of play following the second meeting of Indonesia and the EU Joint Committee, along with an outlook on the EU-Indonesia relations in the year to come – aiming to further expand on digital economy, environment and security.
Among the issues discussed, the negotiations on the EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement are progressing and preparations for the fourth round of negotiations are ongoing, planned to be held in Indonesia early 2018. Both sides underline the importance of strengthening dialogue and cooperation to develop the sustainability of palm oil production to 100% by 2020, and working towards acceptance of improved Indonesian certification in the EU market. “There are no trade barriers against Indonesian palm oil, the EU market remains open.

The EU and Indonesia believe that sustainable palm oil directly contributes to poverty eradication, community development and the global effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” he added. In light of the series of eruptions of Bali’s Mount Agung, EU delivered EUR 100,000 emergency relief assistance to support the Indonesian Red Cross Society. The aid directly benefits 11,000 people in some of the worst-hit districts of Bangli, Bulenleng, Gianyar and Karangasem.