European Union in ASEAN

03/09/2026

Was an honour to present my Letter of Credence to the ASEAN SG H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn on 2nd September 2026. EU-ASEAN partnership of strategic importance to advance shared commitment to peace, prosperity, & the rules-based international order. Look forward to working closely with ASEAN Secretariat & Member States to upgrade partnership as we head towards 50th anniversary of EU-ASEAN relations in 2027. – EU Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Marina Rafti.

14/08/2026

The EU and ASEAN held their 8th High-Level Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change on 12 August. It was a rich exchange on Europe and Southeast Asia’s continued ambitions in the green transition and on the upcoming multilateral meetings on desertification, biodiversity, climate change, plastics and water.

The dialogue marked the momentum created by the first joint Ministerial meeting on these topics (held in Langkawi, Malaysia, in September 2025) and is a key milestone in the run up to 2027, when ASEAN and the EU celebrate 50 years of dialogue relations.

On environment, ASEAN Member States expressed strong interest for deeper engagement with the EU on biodiversity, circular economy and plastics pollution, and to join forces to turn ASEAN’s commitments into practical solutions.

On climate, carbon pricing and climate adaptation emerge as two clear priorities for cooperation in the future. Next month, the EU will host a study visit by ASEAN Member States to Brussels to continue peer learning and capacity-building on carbon pricing and carbon markets.

11/08/2026

Celebrating EU-ASEAN Strategic partnership through the universal language of food. 🍽️

As we look forward to the 50th Anniversary of European Union as a dedicated dialogue partner, the EU is delighted to join today's ASEAN Day Food Festival celebrations this weekend, on the 8th of August.

Food connects us, brings communities together, and reminds us of the rich diversity that makes our partnership so strong. Here's to deeper ties, joint cooperation, and shared traditions! 🤝🏻✨

10/08/2026

28/07/2026

A few weeks ago, the EU Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Sujiro Seam, joined the EU Delegation to Vietnam and EU Member State representatives for a warm gathering celebrating the newest Vietnamese recipients of the prestigious Erasmus Mundus scholarship!

Hosted at the residence of EU Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Julien Guerrier, the event sent off a remarkable group of scholars bound for Europe.

We wish the 2026 cohort the absolute best of luck on this exciting journey. May your time in Europe be filled with inspiration, growth, and unforgettable memories! ✨

20/07/2026

EU is empowering ASEAN Tech Startups – don’t miss this EU-funded call for application!

Innovative tech startups across ASEAN are invited to apply for a unique opportunity to accelerate their growth through the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) Trade Project.
The ASEAN Secretariat, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) through the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) Trade Project, is supporting promising ASEAN tech startups to strengthen their internationalisation efforts and expand into regional and global markets.

Selected startups will benefit from:
✨Tailored coaching and mentorship
🌏 Access to international networks and potential partners
🤝 Market exposure across ASEAN and the EU
📈 Strategic support to strengthen business growth and scalability

📅Application deadline: 2 August 2026

Applications will be reviewed, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

🔗Submit your application by scanning the QR code or through this link: https://surveys.intracen.org/response/G2tIYnRfTwcLZ1tyVVd4S0d1cno

14/07/2026

Russia has long sought to present itself as a reliable partner and a source of stability beyond the West. But as pressure grows, the gap between its promises and its actions is becoming harder to ignore.

For many governments, today the question is whether a partnership with Russia is still a strategic and future-proof choice. A relationship built on instability, broken commitments, and shrinking influence looks increasingly less like a strategic asset and more like a strategic liability.

14/07/2026

Throwback to the EU-ASEAN 5K Fun Run and Walk! 🏃💨

From the starting to the finish line, the EU-ASEAN 5K Fun Run & Walk was all about celebrating EU-ASEAN people-to-people connectivity. 🤝

Big thank you to everyone who made this event such great success, and congratulations to all who crossed the finish line 🙌

09/07/2026

Russia is assumed to have limitless manpower.
In reality, its working age male population is eroded: low birthrates, high mortality, mass emigration and catastrophic battlefield losses over 1.3 million since 2022.

To fill the gap: 27,000 foreign recruits from 130 countries. Many coerced or deceived to die for Kremlin's imperial delusions.

Foreign recruits might buy time. But it is already clear: Russia is running out of men for the war and for the economy.