Skip to main content
International Partnerships

Maldives

The Maldives, an upper middle-income island nation in the Indian Ocean, has a population of 500,000. With its economy heavily reliant on tourism, fisheries, and the construction industry, this South Asian state is known for its vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty.

However, its low-lying geography makes it one of the countries most susceptible to the impacts of climate change, facing perennial threats of flooding from rising sea levels.

Our partnership

The European Union is committed to assisting the Maldives in achieving sustainable and inclusive development, aligning with the principles of the Global Gateway Strategy and the Indo-Pacific Strategy. The EU’s strengthened cooperation with the Maldives and its support to the country in its democratic transition is reflected in the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2024 which focuses on two critical areas: fostering a green economic recovery and enhancing good governance, the rule of law, and security.

The EU collaborates extensively with its Member States, like-minded donors, and international organisations to ensure leverage on relevant policy domains. 

For the 2021-2024 period, the EU has dedicated EUR 12 million in grant funding to its partnerships with the Maldives. Furthermore, investments are being mobilised under the Global Gateway initiative, through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+).

Our flagship initiatives

Green recovery

Climate change poses a fundamental threat to the Maldives, a nation of low-lying islands uniquely vulnerable to rising sea levels. The country stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the challenge of maintaining its economy—largely driven by tourism and fisheries—while safeguarding the essential natural resources and biodiversity that provide basic incomes for the population. Achieving this balance requires the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive economic development. This includes promoting a circular economy that not only fosters job creation but also prioritises investments in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies to protect biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of people's livelihoods.

The EU's efforts in the Maldives are strategically directed towards enhancing the sustainable management of natural resources. This is achieved through targeted climate mitigation and adaptation actions.

Good governance, rule of law and security

In the Maldives, there is a growing momentum to address the structural challenges critical for reinforcing democratic governance, ensuring security, and upholding the rule of law. These efforts align closely with the national priorities set by the current government.

The EU's actions in this domain are aimed at improving local governance and advancing the decentralisation process, in alignment with government-led reforms. These initiatives are particularly geared towards empowering local councils and aligning them with governmental policies. A significant emphasis of these efforts is placed on boosting the political representation and participation of women at the local level. Furthermore, the EU is dedicated to supporting the Maldives in strengthening the rule of law, bolstering institutional accountability, and promoting anti-corruption reforms.