EU and South Korea deepen strategic partnership on trade, security and technology – INSIGHT EU MONITORING
Publish Date: 2026-06-10 17:32:00
Source Domain: ieu-monitoring.com
Brussels, 10 June 2026
The European Union and the Republic of Korea held their 11th Summit in Brussels today. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, António Costa, met with the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-Myung.
The Summit marked a new phase in the EU-Republic of Korea strategic partnership, delivering a series of concrete outcomes to enhance economic resilience, security and defence cooperation, research, and the clean energy transition.
President von der Leyen said: “The partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Korea has never been more important. We are working together to strengthen economic security and drive innovation. Our close cooperation delivers real benefits for our citizens and helps shape a more prosperous future for the next generation.”
Partnering up for shared prosperity
The EU and the Republic of Korea agreed to launch a new Competitiveness Partnership to enhance their cooperation on key policies. This will strengthen engagement on issues of strategic importance such as trade, investment, supply chains, digital, advanced technologies, energy, and innovation.
To drive this agenda forward, both sides agreed to establish a High-Level Economic Dialogue to reinforce their economic ties. The Dialogue will deepen cooperation on economic security, trade and industrial policy. It will be underpinned by existing fora such as the EU-Korea Trade Committee, the EU-Korea Strategic Dialogue on Economic Security and Emerging Trade Issues, and the EU-Korea Industrial Policy Dialogue.
A trade framework fit for the future
During the Summit, the EU and the Republic of Korea signed a Digital Trade Agreement. The deal is of high ambition and makes digital transactions easier and more predictable while upholding a shared commitment to open, competitive and fair digital economies.
The leaders welcomed the good cooperation already taking…
