European Union Blacklist: Government’s Active Diplomatic Efforts and Strategic Measures Explained
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images
The European Union has continued persistent diplomatic efforts to lift the ban imposed on Nepal’s airlines. Officials have indicated that legislation addressing key concerns is expected to be introduced in parliament within a month.
On Tuesday, non-resident ambassadors and mission heads from EU member states held a group meeting with Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
Over the past two days, 22 EU ambassadors and deputy mission chiefs met with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadgaraj Paudel, and Minister of Education Sasmit Pokharel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the government is actively working on reforms and urged the EU to lift the restrictions imposed on Nepalese airlines listed on the aviation safety blacklist.
Meeting Between Prime Minister Balendra Shah and European Union Ambassadors
Image source, RSS
Since taking office on April 23, Prime Minister Shah has been organizing joint meetings and dialogues with ambassadors and diplomatic mission heads based in Nepal. On Tuesday, he held a joint meeting with non-resident EU ambassadors and mission chiefs.
A statement released by the Prime Minister’s Secretariat did not mention any specific recent developments regarding the long-standing effort to remove Nepal from the EU blacklist. However, it assured policy continuity following the formation of the new government.
“Being new does not mean completely breaking from the past. We are committed to ensuring clear, stable, and predictable policy guidelines, protecting democratic values, and maintaining political stability,” the statement quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
Prime Minister Shah also emphasized Nepal’s balanced and pragmatic diplomacy, stating relations with neighboring countries, diplomatic partners, and friendly nations are guided by principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and shared prosperity.
Previously, a delegation from the EU had discussions with the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation about the ban, which has been in effect for nearly 12 years.
Since December last year, the EU’s updated blacklist includes approximately twenty Nepalese airline and helicopter companies under prohibition.
Government Steps to Remove the Blacklist
Image source, EU in Nepal/X
Jaynarayan Acharya, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, stated that in-depth discussions have taken place to address the EU’s concerns.
“There are no barriers in the dialogue at present. Notably, amendments to the Civil Aviation Act are necessary. We are preparing to separate the regulatory body from the operational entities, and a bill has been drafted. The ministry is ready to establish an independent regulatory authority,” he said.
He clarified that separating the day-to-day operations from regulatory functions is essential for fairness and will strengthen aviation safety.
He further told EU representatives, “Dialogue, diplomatic initiatives, and discussions on necessary reforms continue, and the process is progressing.”
In January/February 2025 (Magh 2081), the government had presented a structural bill in the House of Representatives proposing to empower the Civil Aviation Authority solely as a regulatory body.
However, the bill became inactive after the dissolution of parliament.
Acharya, who also serves as the spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism, stated that new regulations and a revised Civil Aviation Act are ready and are planned to be introduced to parliament possibly within this month.
Impact of the Blacklist on Nepal
Image source, MOFA Nepal
Experts say that Nepal’s continued presence on the EU aviation safety blacklist creates a global perception of poor aviation safety standards in the country.
Former Civil Aviation Authority Director General Rajkumar Kshetri stated, “We cannot send any aircraft to Europe. In the future, new companies will not be granted permission to operate flights to Europe either. Consequently, aircraft flying from Europe will also be banned from landing in Nepal.”
He added, “Efforts to remove the blacklist are underway, and we hope for a resolution soon.”
“Since there are no direct flights from Europe, aircraft transit through the Middle East or Gulf countries, raising ticket costs. If at least one direct flight per month from or to Europe operated, Nepal would greatly benefit,” he explained.
In September 2023, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency conducted an on-site review and assessment of Nepal’s aviation safety status.
The study covered flight operations, legal infrastructure, and accident investigations in Nepal’s aviation sector.
Comments from Civil Aviation Authority Officials
Image source, RSS/File photo
On Monday, the cabinet appointed Mukesh Dangol, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, as the new Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
Deputy Chairperson Gyanendra Bhul noted, “Some progress has been made, but the authority currently plays both regulatory and service provider roles. When airport management and certification issuance fall under the same entity, impartiality is compromised. We are committed to ensuring fair investigation of air accidents.”
“Improvements in staff regulations reflect progress, yet further enhancement is necessary. This explains why Nepal has not yet been removed from the safety blacklist,” he added.
With the new DG’s appointment, plans to separate the regulatory body, and continuing diplomatic efforts, a resolution is anticipated.
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