Meer documentenEU and Republic of Korea bolster strategic partnership with new areas of cooperation
The European Union and the Republic of Korea held their 11th Summit in Brussels today. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, António Costa, met with the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-Myung.
The Summit marked a new phase in the EU-Republic of Korea strategic partnership, delivering a series of concrete outcomes to enhance economic resilience, security and defence cooperation, research, and the clean energy transition.
President von der Leyen said: “The partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Korea has never been more important. We are working together to strengthen economic security and drive innovation. Our close cooperation delivers real benefits for our citizens and helps shape a more prosperous future for the next generation.”
Partnering up for shared prosperity
The EU and the Republic of Korea agreed to launch a new Competitiveness Partnership to enhance their cooperation on key policies. This will strengthen engagement on issues of strategic importance such as trade, investment, supply chains, digital, advanced technologies, energy, and innovation.
To drive this agenda forward, both sides agreed to establish a High-Level Economic Dialogue to reinforce their economic ties. The Dialogue will deepen cooperation on economic security, trade and industrial policy. It will be underpinned by existing fora such as the EU-Korea Trade Committee, the EU-Korea Strategic Dialogue on Economic Security and Emerging Trade Issues, and the EU-Korea Industrial Policy Dialogue.
A trade framework fit for the future
During the Summit, the EU and the Republic of Korea signed a Digital Trade Agreement. The deal is of high ambition and makes digital transactions easier and more predictable while upholding a shared commitment to open, competitive and fair digital economies.
The leaders welcomed the good cooperation already taking place under the current trade agreement and highlighted the progress made on trade and sustainable development matters, specifically welcoming Korea's ratification of the International Labour Organisation core conventions.
The EU noted as well the opportunities for further cooperation, and in this context referred to the finalisation of its internal procedures to launch negotiations for a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on conformity assessments, certificates and markings with the Republic of Korea. The MRA would avoid double testing and certifications, crucial for European and Korean businesses to thrive. Finally, the leaders committed to continue working to improve market access for agri-food products to each other's markets, including for beef, poultry and pork from the EU.
Addressing shared security and defence challenges in Europe and the Indo-Pacific
The leaders underscored the interconnected nature of European and Indo-Pacific security. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order. The EU and the Republic of Korea reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's illegal war of aggression. They also stressed their grave concerns over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and the importance of the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
To deepen security cooperation, the leaders committed to expanding the EU-Republic of Korea Security and Defence Partnership. This includes enhanced cooperation on cyber and hybrid threats, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), counterterrorism, non-proliferation, maritime security, and space security. They also agreed to work toward a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate secure exchanges of classified information.
Building a sustainable future in terms of energy, research and innovation
The EU and the Republic of Korea have launched a High-Level Energy Dialogue to coordinate efforts on energy security, economic resilience, and the transition to clean energy.
In the field of research and innovation, the leaders welcomed the first collaborative projects under the Republic of Korea's association to Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation programme. They also agreed to support deep-tech startups in expanding internationally through the European Innovation Council.
Combating transnational threats
The Summit welcomed the finalisation of negotiations on Passenger Name Records. Once in force, this agreement will enhance cooperation in combating transnational crime and terrorism, while ensuring full compliance with data protection standards.
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