Publications Categories - Page 6 of 34

Southeast Asia’s Summit Season

In November 2022, Southeast Asia entered the centre of global attention as the region hosted an unprecedented group of major international summits: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Related Summits in Cambodia on 10-13 November, the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Indonesia on 15-16 November and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Thailand on 18-19 November. Yet, as the summit season gathered the world’s leaders to foster stronger international cooperation, the gatherings were dominated by soaring diplomatic tensions and the growing strategic polarisation, consequently putting Southeast Asia’s international leadership to the test.

Contemplating the Climate Struggle at COP27 – Examples from Southeast Asia

From 6-18 November 2022 the ancient city of Egypt, Sharm el-Sheikh, was host to the Conference Of the Parties (COP27) of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC). The four principal goals of this year’s COP included 1) Mitigation – essentially implementing the Glasgow Pact; 2) Adaptation – how to adapt the strategies to stay at the forefront of climate action; 3) Finance – how and by whom should disaster-hit states be compensated; and 4) Collaboration between civil society and governments.

The Growing EU Engagement in Central Asia: Challenging the Russian Predominance in its Traditional Backyard

On 18 November 2022, Samarkand hosted the “EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference: Global Gateway”. Preceded by the late October 2022 visit to Astana by European Council President Charles Michel, the summit confirmed a new and more vigorous European push towards the Central Asian region, historically located in the backyard of the Russian Federation.

Strengthening the EU-Vietnam Partnership: Financing a Green and Just Energy Transition

Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia, expected to become one of the world’s top 20 leading countries by 2050. The country’s export-oriented economy and efforts to transform Vietnam into a manufacturing hub, make it well-placed to keep on attracting trade and investment from external partners from within and outside the region. Yet, despite its climate ambitions and corresponding engagements, Vietnam is also one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of facing high risk disaster levels. The question is how to finance Vietnam’s green and just energy transition.

The Road to Digitalisation: Strengthening EU-Japan Digital Cooperation

In May 2022, the EU and Japan decided to “join hands” and broaden their partnership on digitalisation. The significance of this digital partnership lies in its broad implementation in key aspects spanning from public institutions and digital infrastructures to digital skills for citizens and businesses. What progress has been made on the implementation of the new EU-Japan Digital Partnership and how can its impact be broadened? How will the initiative advance cooperation, as well as their respective digital environments amidst global tensions?

The European Commission’s new approach to trade agreements: The impact on EU-ASEAN FTAs

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.

Unintended Consequences of Europe’s Fight Against Deforestation

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.

Mobilising the EU-South Korea Digital Partnership – Moving Towards Gender Equality

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.

Framing the Future EU-Viet Nam Partnership – Green Development as a Catalyst for Trade and Political 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.