The relationship between the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is built on strong foundations. Relations have grown over time and encompass today a broad spectrum of social, political, economic, trade, developmental, and security dimensions. Dialogue and cooperation are the basis of the EU-ASEAN partnership. The EU is one of ASEAN’s longstanding dialogue partners and one of ASEAN’s main development partners, both at regional and bilateral levels.

The year 2017 marked 40 years of the EU-ASEAN partnership, and the start of a new high-level dialogue on sustainable development. The first dialogue was co-chaired by the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai in his role of ASEAN Coordinator for Sustainable Development Cooperation and by the European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica, evidencing its importance (read more).

EU regional and bilateral development assistance focuses on areas where the EU and ASEAN can work together to counter negative trends. We have set our sights high on regional economic integration for reducing the development gap, on biodiversity conservation, improved border management and migration, and better and more mobile higher education. These are only few examples of our joint efforts to achieve tangible results for all citizens.

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The HRVP presents the Blue Book to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, as co-chair of the Post-Ministerial Conference  between the EU and ASEAN, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, in his capacity of ASEAN Chair