The 11th summit between the European Union and South Korea will open in Brussels on Wednesday 10 June. Against a backdrop of strong geopolitical tensions, the two sides are seeking to develop their relationship, hitherto essentially commercial, in order to build a stronger strategic and defence partnership.
Diplomacy and global security. Alignment in response to Russia and the situation on the Korean peninsula will be at the heart of the discussions. The EU is therefore planning to use this summit to “brief South Korea on our efforts (...) in terms of supporting Ukraine in securing a ceasefire and (...) a lasting peace”, a European official explained on Tuesday 9 June, welcoming the substantial financial, humanitarian and military support in non-lethal equipment already provided by Seoul.
Moreover, the leaders are closely watching Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea, against a backdrop of strong regional tensions. “We count on the fact that China will be encouraging the DPRK to comply with its international obligations (...) and avoid military escalation”, the same source added.
Strengthened defence partnership. Signed at the end of 2024, the security and defence partnership (SDP) between the two sides will take a new step forward at the summit. They notably plan to launch negotiations on a ‘security of information agreement’, which will facilitate the exchange of classified information and help deepen operational cooperation.
The discussions will also cover maritime security, cybersecurity, the fight against foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), as well as the defence industry. Regarding South Korea’s possible integration into the SAFE European defence programme, a European source underlined that, while Seoul has indeed expressed its interest in the matter, the current funds are already “largely allocated” by the Member States. Korean companies can, however, already respond to calls for tender, provided that their share does not exceed 35% of the total value of the contract, and the EU “does not rule out exploring” a future opening should there be budget surpluses.
Trade and digital agreement. The summit will also mark the conclusion and signature of an agreement on digital trade. This new text, which complements the free trade agreement in force since 2011, is intended to adapt the current trade arrangements to the digital age. It will make it possible to reduce unnecessary barriers to online trade and offer greater legal certainty to companies operating in the European and Korean markets.
Competitiveness partnership. The two sides will launch a new partnership focused on competitiveness, industrial strength and technological excellence, a European source said on Tuesday. Trade and investment constitute a fundamental pillar in relations between the two blocs, “but there is also economic security industrial policy, and we want to bring these trends together in a more strategic and coherent way. And to support and steer us work, we will establish a new high-level economic dialogue”. (See EUROPE 13882/2).
The leaders will also deepen their cooperation on economic security, particularly with regard to critical raw materials, the resilience of supply chains, as well as the protection of sensitive and emerging technologies.
Lastly, the aim will be to strengthen cooperation on artificial intelligence. More generally, as regards competitiveness, the discussion will focus on how to support an environment that guarantees the supply of semiconductors and creates conditions conducive to greater investment. The competitiveness partnership will aim “to cover the whole gamut of issues and the supply chain security in particular”. (Original version in French by Justine Manaud with Solenn Paulic)