On 18 August 2026, Ms. Somrudee Poopornanake, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs chaired a preparatory meeting for the 2nd Thailand–EU Joint Committee (JC), scheduled to take place on 29 September 2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting brought together representatives from over 40 relevant Thai agencies, including the Office of National Security Council, National Cyber Security Agency, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Ministry of Justice, as well as representatives from the private sector and academia, to prepare for discussions with the European Union.

The meeting discussed important issues, covering political and economic developments, ASEAN–EU relations, political, security and strategic cooperation, combating online scams and promoting cybersecurity, human rights and governance, green transition, environment and climate change, trade and investment, science, technology, education, research and innovation, as well as cooperation on fisheries, labour, consular and visa cooperation, progress in the Thailand–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, and further cooperation under the Global Gateway project.

The meeting also prepared for the reporting on the work of the three specialised working groups established under the JC framework, namely the Working Group on Human Rights and Governance, Working Group on Trade and Investment, and Working Group on Sustainable Development and Green Transition. All three working groups have held their first meetings, and the 2nd JC will review their progress, with a focus on concrete outcomes and proactive approaches to advancing cooperation in the next phase.

The meeting focused on developing Thailand’s key messages and proposals for cooperation with the EU, with a view to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation. Preparations also covered global and regional issues with a view to co-creating impacts of Thailand–EU cooperation beyond our borders, as well as a brainstorming session to identify concrete deliverables for the 65th anniversary of Thailand–EU diplomatic relations in 2027.

The second Thailand–EU Joint Committee, to be hosted by Thailand, will provide an important opportunity to develop the Thailand–EU relationship into a more dynamic and more strategic partnership.