The report of our EIAS Closed Door Expert Roundtable Discussion on EU Perspectives on recent developments in Myanmar is now available. You can download it here.
On 22 June 2022, European Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis presented the Commission’s new approach to Free Trade Agreements (FTA). As one of its main features, the plan seeks to strengthen the binding nature of Sustainable Development provisions and rules within EU FTAs. This is particularly relevant in view of the EU’s FTAs and trade negotiations with ASEAN and its members.
As part of its flagship Green Deal, the European Parliament approved a proposal for a draft regulation on 13 September 2022 which mandates operators to prove that wood, coffee, cocoa, palm oil, cattle, soy, and its derivatives are ‘deforestation-free’ before they enter the EU market. Producing developing countries in Asia and beyond have strongly opposed the EU’s unilateral objectives due to its potential socio-economic consequences. The rather quick passing of the regulation and limited time for consideration of its impact on third countries may actually cause harm to already vulnerable communities.
On the occasion of the Viet Nam Trade Forum 2022 organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet
On 26-27 September 2022 the ESSCA School of Management EU*Asia Institute organised a Workshop “Business as Unusual: New Approaches to EU-China Relations” at the ESSCA Campus in Angers and online. A variety of experts on EU-China from both Europe and China participated in the workshop. EIAS Director Lin Goethals gave a presentation on “A post-pandemic re-assessment of EU-China Relations”.
South Korea and the European Union (EU) are ‘like-minded partners’ who have strengthened their relationship over the past decade. Ranking as one of the lowest OECD countries regarding Gender Equality, the ROK has room for growth. The Gender Pay Gap and Online violence toward women are highly prevalent in South Korea. The upcoming digital partnership with the EU should consider this. This EIAS Policy Brief will analyse South Korea’s approach to gender equality while comparing it with the situation in the EU and identifying avenues for joint action and cooperation.
Two years after the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Union (EU), this EIAS Briefing Paper outlines the evolution of economic and trade relations between the two partners, identifying relevant sectors for future cooperation. Taking into account both parties’ climate ambitions, as well as Vietnam’s need to develop its energy infrastructure, the EU and Vietnam should collaborate more intensively to secure and incentivise sustainable European investments in Vietnam, facilitated by the FTA. Sharing its experience, the EU can contribute to determining an energy policy adapted to Vietnam’s needs and will.
EU-ASEAN diplomatic relations at 45, where are we at?