Trade – EIAS

Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in Vietnam – The EU’s Yellow Card

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices have been a critical challenge in Southeast Asia due to their environmental impact and related economic losses, resulting in the weakening of coastal communities. Notwithstanding the efforts being taken at the national level, mitigation and addressing the issue has proved to be challenging in Vietnam. The European Union (EU), a crucial trading partner for the country, has been pressuring Vietnam to combat IUU fishing. With the 5th EU inspection approaching in October 2024, Vietnam has been positively ramping up its efforts. What further action needs to be taken to lift the EU’s yellow card? How can the root causes of IUU fishing be addressed and how can the EU effectively provide adequate support in tackling this?

Reassessing Dependencies: The EU’s Path to De-Risking in Light of China’s Industrial Ambitions

China’s industrial policies are reshaping global trade dynamics, prompting the European Union (EU) to reassess its approach towards risk mitigation. As China strengthens its domestic supply market, particularly in high-tech and renewable energy sectors, EU policymakers are progressively facing pressure to decrease their reliance on China in sectors like critical minerals, magnesium and lithium. Amidst rising geopolitical tension and increasingly proactive action towards addressing the climate crisis, industrial policies have moved to the forefront and have gained traction worldwide, exerting significant influence on the international market. As a consequence, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the concept of ‘de-risking’, which has emerged as a major term among policymakers. The approach underscores the imperative for enhanced understanding, communication and common agreement between China and the EU to foster fair competition globally.

Weighing the Pertinence of Dialogue and Diplomacy in Northeast Asia: The China-Japan-South Korea 2024 Trilateral Summit

More than four years after their last trilateral summit and against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and regional security threats, the long-awaited 9th summit between the Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea), the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Japan finally took place in Seoul on 26-27 May 2024.

Thailand–EU FTA Negotiations: Hidden Hurdles and Easy Wins

Despite confidence from leaders, both parties are walking a tightrope between their international interests and domestic anxieties.

The EU’s Strategic Role in the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain and its Implications for Clean Energy

As our global economy becomes increasingly digital, AI-driven, and reliant on 5G networks, the demand for semiconductors will only continue to surge. These components are not only fundamental to technological advancement but crucial for geopolitical stability.

The EU’s Anti-Subsidy Policy Towards Chinese Electric Vehicles: Navigating the Risks of Escalating Trade Tensions

On 13 September 2023, during her annual State of the Union address, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen announced the opening of an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from China.

Forging Ahead: Restoring EU-Philippines FTA Negotiations

In the complex geopolitical context shaping international dynamics — characterised by a plethora of (in)security dynamics, encompassing shifting alliances and global tensions — the significance of a solid partnership based on economic resilience and an increase of sustainable development has never been more relevant.

Bamboo Diplomacy Meets 5G: Europe’s High-Stakes Bid on Vietnam’s Telecommunications Transformation

In January 2024, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh approved Vietnam’s sweeping Information And Communication (IC) Infrastructure Plan For The Period Of 2021 – 2030, With A Vision To 2050. With ambitious goals such as connecting 100% of households to fibre optic cable by 2025 and for “5G mobile broadband coverage to reach 99% of the population” by 2030, Vietnam has gone all-in on overhauling its domestic economic policy to become a technologically integrated, highly developed state with full sovereignty over its data within the next 30 years.

Opportunities for Japan in the EU

Japan is looking abroad, also to the EU. But can Europe deliver? If Japan chooses to seize the opportunity, Europe can be a fertile ground for Japan’s home-grown strategies. The EU has long looked to expand its reach to the East, thereby even breaking with its multilateral ideals when trading with new partners. The extended reach of EU-Japan cooperation signals the willingness of both parties to create a stronger bond, and an opportunity for Japan to get closer to gain stronger security guarantees, closer relationships with external partners and more expansive trade.