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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.

EIAS Lunch Meeting and Discussion With a Visiting Delegation from ASEAN

On 12 December 2022, a lunch meeting and discussion with a Visiting Delegation from ASEAN under the EU Visiting Programme (EUVP) was held at EIAS in Brussels. During the discussion thoughts and concerns were shared regarding EU-ASEAN relations, common challenges and potential solutions, as well as how to advance the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership. Especially the fields of trade, green transition, connectivity, youth cooperation, as well EU-ASEAN relations in the Indo-Pacific, ASEAN Centrality and Parliamentary cooperation were addressed.

EIAS Meeting with Philippines Secretary of Trade H.E. Mr Alfredo Pascual

On 28 October 2022 EIAS had the honour to host a meeting with the Secretary (Minister) of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines H.E. Mr Alfredo Pascual.

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.

ASEAN-EU Relations: The Road to 45

EU-ASEAN diplomatic relations at 45, where are we at?

Thailand’s “Green Transition”: Implications of the EU Green Deal and improving EU-Thailand Trade Relations

Thailand could be a leader in ASEAN in terms of « Green Transition ». If Bangkok successfully transitions towards a greener economy and comply with the EU Green Deal’s legislation, the EU and Thailand could resume the signing of the 2013 EU-Thailand Partnership Cooperation Agreement and negotiations around a Free-Trade Agreement.

The 13th ASEM Summit (ASEM13) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) took place on 25-26 November 2021 via videoconference under the theme “strengthening multilateralism for shared growth”. ASEM has major untapped potential but remains a valuable platform for dialogue and the exchange of information for its members.

EU-South Korea FTA: A Ten-Year Perspective

2021 marks the tenth anniversary of the entry into force of the free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union