Op-ed – Page 2

ASEAN’s Kuala Lumpur Summit: The Test of Regional Relevance

The 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur demonstrated that ASEAN still has diplomatic relevance: it expanded to include Timor-Leste, brokered a truce between Cambodia and Thailand, and attracted high-level participation from global powers. Yet, the Summit also exposed the limits of ASEAN’s influence. Political momentum is real, but fragile, and whether these outcomes lead to lasting progress will depend on implementation under the Philippines’ incoming chairmanship.

CEPA and the EU’s Indo-Pacific Test: Can Strategic Pragmatism Meet Sustainability?

After nearly a decade of negotiations, the European Union and Indonesia have concluded their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a landmark deal linking Europe’s de-risking ambitions with Southeast Asia’s development priorities. As the agreement enters the complex EU ratification process, questions arise over whether Brussels can strike a balance between environmental integrity and strategic pragmatism. Palm oil, nickel, and sustainability compliance will test both partners’ political will and the EU’s ability to act as a credible, values-driven actor in the Indo-Pacific.

Ishiba Steps Down: What Comes Next for Tokyo and Japan-EU Relations?

On the evening of Sunday 7 September 2025, Ishiba Shigeru announced he was stepping down from his position as the Prime Minister (PM) of Japan after less than a year in office. The decision has come following multiple election blows of his ruling coalition, consisting of Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito. Already in October 2024, just weeks after having assumed office, the coalition lost its majority in the Lower House, following poor results in the general election. In July 2025, the majority was also lost in the Upper House after disappointing parliamentary election results, causing calls for Ishiba’s resignation as Prime Minister to grow louder.

New mandate in Seoul: Opportunity or Uncertainty for the European Union?

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung from the Democratic Party of Korea (DP) was sworn in as South Korea’s new president on Wednesday, 4 June 2025, following a snap election. Official results showed Lee winning by nearly three million votes (9% of the total votes) ahead of his main opponent, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP).

The EU-Indonesia FTA: Balancing Economic Pragmatism and Environmental Principles

The EU-Indonesia Free Trade Agreement negotiations represent the need for a fundamental balance between economic pragmatism and environmental responsibility. This exemplifies the broader challenges of global trade in the 21st century, with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) bearing a major part of the disproportionate burden created by these contradictory demands.

EU-South Korea-Japan: Revitalizing Defence and Security Ties in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape

The global inter-state cooperation landscape is changing. In this regard, the geopolitical situation detonated by the outbreak of the war in Ukraine has produced two main areas of convergence between Europe and Northeast Asia. First, shifting geopolitical alliances and security challenges have fostered a renewed understanding of defence in all its facets in both regions. Second, thanks to their engagement through NATO and strengthened bilateral cooperation, the EU, Japan, and South Korea are also gaining momentum for enhanced trilateral security cooperation. In doing so, the three partners may be facing an array of challenges, but the opportunities for collaboration are present and continue to be growing.

Central Asia’s Critical Raw Material Dilemma: Resource Powerhouse or Sustainability Risk?

Does the scaling up of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s Critical Raw Material (CRM) production align with the EU’s green and digital transition ambitions? In the vast steppes of Kazakhstan and the mineral-rich mountains of Uzbekistan, a transformation is underway that could also reshape Europe’s green transition. These Central Asian nations, long known for their oil and gas exports, are emerging as potential key suppliers of critical raw materials essential for the European Union’s strategic autonomy goal of diversification, as well as its innovation, digital and environmental ambitions. But can these countries truly align with Europe’s ambitious sustainability goals?

From BRICS to BRICS+: India, the EU and Shifting Global Power Dynamics

From 22 to 24 October 2024, the sixteenth BRICS summit was held in Kazan, Russia. During this event, the initial members of the organisation (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) were joined by Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the launch of BRICS+. Just a few weeks later, Indonesia, the most populated country in Southeast Asia, also joined the expanding group.

EU-India Relations: Progress and Pitfalls

In May 2024, Narendra Modi was re-elected Indian Prime Minister (PM), winning a third term. In doing so, Modi ensured the continuity of his political programme, including a commitment to forge a closer relationship with the European Union (EU). The combination of India’s General Election result with the June 2024 European election has created a momentum for the two partners to reassess their bilateral relations. Weighing in on this dynamic, the EU and its Member States have been encouraging India’s engagement to push the development of its infrastructure network and to address social and human rights concerns.