The European Union and the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)

04.09.2025 Strategic Communications

ASEF, 2025

The European Union (European Commission) is a founding member of the Asia-Europe Foundation and has played a vital role in supporting its mission and operations since its establishment in 1997.

The EU and ASEF: Driving a Vibrant People-to-People Partnership

The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)’s role in fostering dialogue and building bridges between Asia and Europe remains more important than ever, shaping a future of shared progress and collaboration. With the EU’s support as a founding member, ASEF remains instrumental in fostering sustainable networks that bring fresh perspectives to the Asia–Europe dialogue as well as in cultural diplomacy, policy development, and targeted capacity building in areas such as media, sustainable development, youth, education and health.

ASEF's mission aligns with the priorities of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and supports the Global Gateway strategy in Asia by fostering people-to-people connections. Over the years, the EU’s support has enhanced ASEF's global reach and impact, enabling the successful implementation of over 200 projects, including the Asia-Europe Dialogue Forum, Conference on Higher Education, Young Leaders Summits, Science and Technology diplomacy initiatives, cultural festivals and human rights seminars.

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What is ASEF?

The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) was set up in 1997 by the Leaders of then 26 Asian and European nations. ASEF promotes people-to-people exchanges in governance, sustainable development, youth leadership, education, culture and public health. ASEF brings together policymakers, academics, civil society representatives and youth of the two Continents.

Currently, ASEF fosters dialogue, understanding, and cooperation between 52 European and Asian partners: the 27 EU Member States, Norway, Switzerland, UK and the EU from Europe, and ASEAN Secretariat, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam from Asia. Since 2022, the participation of Russia has been suspended.

Some of the ASEF annual flagship events include the Asia-Europe Dialogue Forum, the Asia-Europe Youth Leaders’ Summit, the Asia-Europe Cultural festival, the ASEF Higher Education Innovation Lab and the ASEF Classroom Network Project, the Asia-Europe Environment Forum. In addition, ASEF organises annually interregional seminars, among others, in the fields of human rights, journalism and public diplomacy.

ASEF leads over 250 projects (conferences, workshops and seminars) with over 150 partners and with nearly 50,000 participants. Through its publications, web‐portals, exhibitions and lectures, ASEF has reached more than 11.5 million young Europeans and Asians.

Fostering deeper cooperation based on shared values

In an era of rapid global change, ASEF stands as a beacon of cooperation and mutual understanding, continuously adapting to new challenges while upholding the values that have defined its success.

Up to spring 2026, the EU will support projects such as:

6^th ASEF Young Leaders’ Summit – a flagship programme bringing together young leaders from Asia and Europe to exchange ideas and co-create solutions around the theme of leadership for sustainable development. The 2025 edition will likely focus on innovation, climate action, and social inclusion.
23^rd Informal Seminar on Human Rights - a trusted dialogue platform for policymakers, civil society actors, and academics from Asia and Europe to engage on sensitive human rights issues. The 23rd edition is expected to address themes such as digital rights or climate-related human rights.
ASEF culture 360 – 2025 - digital platform that promotes cultural exchange, policy dialogue, and professional mobility in the arts and culture sectors. In 2025, the focus will be on sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusiveness in culture.
ASEF LinkUp | Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab (2025) - new initiative aimed at strengthening cultural diplomacy through co-creation, exchange, and policy dialogue. It connects artists, cultural practitioners, and policy stakeholders from both regions.
10th ASEF Regional Conference on Higher Education (ARC10) Year 2 (2025) - second year of ARC10 continues with policy consultations and capacity-building activities to promote inclusive and future-proof higher education. Activities include regional workshops, student-led forums, and policy roundtables.
Capacity-Building on Women, Peace and Security (2025) - programme focused on training and policy dialogue around the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325. It aims to enhance the role of women in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and post-conflict governance in both regions.