The European Union and the Republic of Korea have agreed to deepen cooperation across trade, security, defense, technology, and supply chain resilience, marking a new phase in their strategic partnership amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
At the 11th EU-Republic of Korea Summit in Brussels on June 10, European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung endorsed a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening economic resilience, advancing digital integration, and expanding security cooperation.
The summit was the first between the two sides in three years and concluded with the signing of a landmark Digital Trade Agreement, alongside commitments to launch a new Competitiveness Partnership and establish a High-Level Economic Dialogue.
“Today, during our summit we advanced the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Korea even further, strengthening our cooperation across the board and further contributing to the prosperity and security of our citizens,” Costa said.
New Digital Trade Agreement Targets Growth and Innovation
A centerpiece of the summit was the signing of the EU-Republic of Korea Digital Trade Agreement, designed to modernize trade rules and facilitate cross-border digital commerce between two of the world’s leading advanced economies.
The agreement complements the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force in 2011 and has underpinned a significant expansion in bilateral economic relations. According to the European Council, trade in goods between the two partners grew by an average of 5.3% annually between 2011 and 2025.
The new accord establishes common rules governing cross-border data flows, electronic contracts, digital signatures, online trade, and consumer protection. It is also expected to reduce costs for businesses and provide greater legal certainty for companies operating across both markets.
The agreement reflects the EU’s broader effort to shape global digital trade standards, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Brussels has already concluded similar digital arrangements with Singapore and incorporated digital trade provisions into agreements with the United Kingdom, Chile, and New Zealand.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the strategic importance of the relationship, stating: “Korea is one of Europe’s closest partners in the Indo-Pacific region and on the global stage. In today’s uncertain world, stable and trusted partnerships like ours are more precious than ever.”
Economic Security and Supply Chains Move to the Forefront
Beyond digital trade, leaders placed strong emphasis on economic security and supply chain resilience.
The summit launched the EU-Republic of Korea Competitiveness Partnership, intended to strengthen competitiveness and economic resilience through structured cooperation. Leaders also endorsed the creation of a High-Level Economic Dialogue to coordinate economic policy and address emerging trade challenges.
The focus reflects growing concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities, strategic competition, and restrictions affecting critical materials and technologies. Both sides agreed to continue working together on economic security issues while promoting diversified and resilient supply chains.
South Korea has become an increasingly significant investor in Europe, particularly in sectors considered strategically important, including semiconductors, batteries, and electric vehicles.
Semiconductor cooperation emerged as a key area of mutual interest. South Korea’s position as a global leader in chip manufacturing aligns with European efforts to strengthen supply chain security and reduce dependence on concentrated sources of advanced technologies.
Security and Defense Cooperation Gains Momentum
Security and defense featured prominently in summit discussions as both partners seek closer coordination in response to evolving global threats.
Leaders welcomed initial progress in implementing the EU-Republic of Korea Security and Defense Partnership signed in November 2024. The framework covers cooperation in maritime security, cyber and hybrid threats, foreign information manipulation and interference, nuclear non-proliferation, arms control, space security, and defense industry matters.
Although a proposed Security of Information Agreement was not finalized during the summit, President Lee emphasized its importance for future cooperation.
“I hope that the security of information agreement will be adopted soon, so that Korea and the EU can share confidential information safely, which will allow the two sides to engage in industrial and research cooperation actively through information exchange exchange,” Lee said.
The agreement would facilitate the secure exchange of classified information and support deeper collaboration in defense research and industrial projects.
Shared Positions on Ukraine and North Korea
The leaders reaffirmed their alignment on major international security challenges, including Russia’s war against Ukraine and North Korea’s military activities.
The EU and South Korea condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine, emphasized the importance of a full ceasefire, and reiterated support for a just and lasting peace. Both sides also discussed increasing support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
In a joint statement, the leaders called on Moscow and Pyongyang to end military cooperation.
“We urge Russia and the DPRK to immediately cease all such activities and abide by the UN Charter and all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions,” the statement reads.
North Korea remained a major focus of discussions. Leaders expressed grave concern over repeated ballistic missile launches and reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
The joint statement also voiced support for Seoul’s efforts to improve inter-Korean relations.
“We support the Republic of Korea’s efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue through proactive de-escalation and confidence-building measures, aiming to achieve peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula by expanding inter-Korean exchanges, normalisation of relations and achieving denuclearisation.”
Indo-Pacific Stability and Middle East Security
The summit reinforced shared positions on Indo-Pacific security and maritime stability.
Leaders reiterated support for freedom of navigation and overflight, including in the South China Sea, and stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They also opposed unilateral attempts to alter the regional status quo.
Addressing developments in the Middle East, both sides called for de-escalation and restraint, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, adherence to international law, and the preservation of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Costa highlighted the broader strategic convergence between Brussels and Seoul.
“We are like-minded partners, joint in our belief that international cooperation, stability and predictability, together with open, free and rules-based order, remain the best way to reinforce our common security and prosperity.”
Expanding Cooperation in Technology, Energy and Research
Alongside trade and security, leaders committed to closer cooperation on emerging technologies and sustainable development.
Priority areas include artificial intelligence innovation, deep-tech startup expansion, research and innovation, energy security, low-carbon technologies, maritime cooperation, and efforts to keep the goal of limiting global temperature increases to 1.5°C within reach.
The summit also reaffirmed support for the EU-Korea Digital Partnership launched in 2022, providing a broader framework for technological collaboration.
People-to-People Ties remain a keyPillar
Leaders emphasized that educational, cultural, and research exchanges continue to underpin the broader relationship.
“The strongest partnerships are built not only by institutions but by people. And this summit takes place at a moment when our peoples’ ties in education, culture and innovation are closer than ever,” Costa said.
The EU and South Korea committed to expanding cooperation in education, research, culture, and skills development, including through Erasmus+ and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programs.
As geopolitical tensions reshape global trade and security dynamics, the Brussels summit highlighted a growing convergence between the European Union and South Korea. The agreements reached signal a shared determination to strengthen economic resilience, advance technological cooperation, and coordinate responses to emerging security challenges across Europe and the Indo-Pacific.