Kathmandu – Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal on Monday formally requested support for the country’s removal from the European Union Air Safety List as ‘Kathmandu stepped up efforts to restore confidence in its aviation safety regime’.
Khanal made the request during a joint courtesy call by visiting ambassadors of European Union member states.
During the meeting, he pointed to progress made in aviation safety standards and ongoing regulatory reforms, underscoring Nepal’s efforts to strengthen oversight in the sector.
The European Union Air Safety List currently bans all Nepali airlines from operating in EU airspace. The restriction was first imposed in December 2013 and has been reaffirmed in subsequent updates including in 2025.
The Foreign Minister appreciated the European Union’s long-standing development partnership with Nepal and called for further strengthening cooperation in areas including trade, climate action, education and people-to-people exchanges.
He outlined the government’s key governance priorities, highlighting efficient service delivery and a strong anti-corruption stance as pillars of public administration alongside efforts to sustain economic growth.
Khanal also briefed the delegation on ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, enhancing export competitiveness and promoting innovation. He invited greater European investment in hydropower, tourism, infrastructure development, and information technology.
In response, EU Ambassador to Nepal Véronique Lorenzo speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation said the purpose of the mission was to reaffirm support for Nepal’s new government and explore expanded areas of cooperation between Nepal and EU member states.
She also highlighted opportunities for deeper engagement, including collaboration in e-governance and digitalisation and the sharing of EU technical expertise in governance and public service systems.
The 23-member EU delegation comprising ambassadors and deputy heads of mission from EU member states is currently on a two-day visit to Nepal aimed at strengthening relations with the new government.
Led by EU Ambassador to Nepal Véronique Lorenzo, the delegation is in Nepal from May 25 to 26, describing the visit as an opportunity to meet the new government and reaffirm strong EU-Nepal ties.
The delegation is also expected to hold meeting with Prime Minister Balendra Shah scheduled for Tuesday, May 26.
Additionally, the delegation is scheduled to hold talks with Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel.
The ambassadors will also meet private sector leaders, civil society representatives and youth groups.
