Publications

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?

Hungary and Serbia: China’s New Offshore Manufacturing Hubs in the EU?

Chinese greenfield investments in Europe are on the rise, reshaping the landscape of foreign direct investment. Instead of mergers and acquisitions, Chinese companies are increasingly setting up new operations, particularly in Hungary and Serbia. This shift is driven by factors like the EU’s tighter investment screening and China’s strategic focus on long-term market presence. Greenfield investments, especially in sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy, offer Chinese firms fewer political hurdles, while supporting local economies. How are these investments shaping EU-China relations and offering new opportunities and challenges for European policies?

The Middle Corridor’s Reality Check: Advancements and Challenges in Rail Infrastructure

The development of railway infrastructure in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan is crucial for maximising the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Trade Route (TITR) or Middle Corridor, a vital link connecting Europe and Asia. The Caspian Sea ports, which serve as critical transit hubs, rely heavily on the efficiency and modernisation of rail networks in these countries to enable a smoother and more efficient transit of goods across the region and beyond. Railways offer the most effective means of linking these landlocked nations to ports and markets beyond their borders. However, the conditions of their railroad networks highlight significant development disparities.

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.

President Yoon’s Short-lived Martial Law Declaration and Its Fallout

President Yoon Suk-Yeol sent the Republic of Korea into political turmoil in early December 2024 by declaring martial law, citing the need to “wipe out anti-state forces,” only to withdraw it again several hours later. Since then, the country has been sent into uncertainty. While impeachment proceedings have been set in motion, these recent developments have severely impacted the country’s domestic governance, as well as its ability to participate in global politics. What are likely avenues for South Korea to overcome this political unrest and what does it mean for EU-South Korea relations?

Strengthening Ties, Facing New Realities: Is the EU-Kazakhstan Partnership Ready for a New Chapter?

The 21st EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Council meeting held on 14 October 2024 in Luxembourg highlighted the rapidly accelerating cooperation between the European Union and Kazakhstan. As both sides are facing the challenges of navigating global trade, security and governance shifts, their cooperation has rapidly expanded across a range of strategic areas in recent years. As a result, the meeting in Luxembourg addressed key topics such as economic cooperation and the rule of law, while also highlighting their mutual interest in developing sustainable infrastructure through initiatives like the Global Gateway.

Kishida’s Resignation and the October 2024 General Elections – A Turning Point in Japanese Politics?

With the announcement of Fumio Kishida’s leadership coming to an end after his resignation in August 2024, a sense of shifting political powers emerged in Japan. Kishida served as Japan’s Prime Minister (PM) between 2021 and 2024, leading the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The end of the Kishida administration aimed to bring a fresh start for Japan, leaving room for his successor Shigeru Ishiba to be appointed LDP leader, becoming the new PM on 1 October 2024. Soon after coming into office he called for a snap general election, which was held on 27 October 2024. With the result of the election leading to a political impasse and looming uncertainty, what can be expected of Japan’s political developments and the future of EU-Japan relations?