VP/HR — EU-Pakistan relations

21.2.2017

Question for written answer E-001157-17
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Nadine Morano (PPE)

Pakistan, a country with some 200 million inhabitants, is a major player on the international scene.

Like Europe, it is paying a heavy price for its fight against the barbarity of terrorism. It regularly exchanges, with the Member States but also with Interpol, vital information in order to combat this scourge.

It creates stability in Asia, but also worldwide, owing to its substantial investment in peacekeeping operations, conducted under the auspices of the UN, and is a strategic partner of the European Union.

At the economic level, our trade is increasing and diversifying, driven by Pakistan’s inclusion in the special customs incentive scheme (GSP +).

Finally, the Pakistani community in Europe (more than 2 million people) contributes to the liveliness and solidity of our links.

Can the Vice-President/High Representative therefore say what further steps are being planned in order to strengthen EU-Pakistan cooperation, particularly with regard to counter-terrorism?