The Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea, together with the 25 EU Member States in Korea, hosted a major event to mark Europe Day 2025 under the theme “Partnering for Peace and Security.” The gathering brought together over 700 guests, including diplomats, Korean government officials, business leaders, scholars, and civil society representatives, highlighting the importance of the EU-Korea partnership in a time of global uncertainty.

This year’s event carried particular significance as it commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for European integration. In her remarks, EU Ambassador to Korea H.E. Maria Castillo Fernandez reflected on the EU’s origins as a peace project and reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation and democratic values. She also underlined the EU’s enduring support for Ukraine, stating, “The EU will continue to support Ukraine in order to defend itself and to integrate the EU as a free, independent and democratic country”. Former Acting President Han Duck-soo also attended the reception as a distinguished guest, highlighting the growing importance of EU-RoK cooperation and expressing his appreciation for Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez’s dedication and leadership in strengthening bilateral ties over the past 5 years.

Earlier in the day, the EU Delegation convened a roundtable discussion titled “Peace in Europe, Peace in Asia: Partnering for Peace and Security,” moderated by H.E. Ho-Young Ahn, former Korean Ambassador to the EU and the United States. Panelists discussed how the war in Ukraine poses an immediate threat to Europe’s security, while stressing that peace in Europe cannot be separated from peace in Asia. They emphasized the growing need for transcontinental cooperation to defend the rules-based international order and tackle shared challenges.

The evening reception offered an opportunity to reaffirm the common values underpinning the EU-Korea partnership. One of the highlights of the program was a live brush calligraphy performance by renowned artist Kim Soyoung. Her artwork, titled “The EU and Korea: Opening the Path to Peace Together,” served as a visual tribute to the message of unity and joint commitment to peace.

Ambassador Castillo Fernandez, whose term ends this August, also shared personal reflections, encouraging continued engagement with Europe regardless of political change, and calling for deeper people-to-people connections as the foundation for sustained partnership.

The event was supported by generous contributions from Mercedes-Benz Korea, Finnair, Airbus Korea, BNP Paribas, Hyundai Motor Group, Renault Korea, Pernod Ricard Korea, Solvay Specialty Polymers Korea, Moët Hennessy Korea, Taurus Systems Korea, and BrotART. All 25 EU Member States represented in Korea were actively involved and contributed extensively to the success of Europe Day. Their cultural and gastronomic contributions demonstrated the diversity of the European Union. The event concluded with live music performance by the 120s.

Europe Day 2025 stood as a meaningful occasion to reflect on shared achievements, ongoing challenges, and the path forward in strengthening the EU-Korea relationship through peace, dialogue, and cooperation.

The event was organized with the support of the ‘EU Public and Cultural Diplomacy in the RoK’ project.

Contact Persons at the Delegation of the European Union to Korea:

Ms Tanith Bello, Porgramme Officer- External Relations (Tanith.BELLO@eeas.europa.eu)

Ahee Kim, Press & Information Officer (Ahee.KIM@ext.eeas.europa.eu)

For media inquiries, please contact:

Soomee Moon, Communication and Outreach Expert, 

moonsoomee@eudiplomacykorea.eu