EU – EIAS

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.

In Memoriam – Paul Joseph Lim

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Dr. Lim Huat Chye Paul Joseph, one of the co-founders of the European Institute for Asian Studies. Suffering from a virtually incurable illness, he passed away on 21 July 2025 at the St-Luc Clinic in Bouge (Namur). Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, closest friends and loved ones.

The Impact of CBAM in the Greater Caspian Region

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will enter its definitive phase in January 2026, and CBAM tariffs are set to have major ramifications for countries exporting goods to the EU. What will be the impact of CBAM on Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, also referred to as the Greater Caspian region?

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.

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?

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.

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.