Webinar to weigh in on Eu-asean collaboration

THE European Union Delegation to the Philippines will be convening the virtual forum: “What the Strategic Partnership Means for the EU and Asean Relations” on August 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom.

Mutual bonds of both regions have flourished throughout the years in the areas of politicalsecurity, economic, and peopleto-people exchanges. Relations heightened into a strategic partnership in December 2020, reflective of the strengthening ties grounded on shared values of effective multilateralism and rules-based international order.

The EU is the Asean’s top development partner, as well as thirdbiggest trade partner and investor. Exports to the latter’s membercountries grew from €54 billion in 2010 to €85 billion in 2019, while imports hiked from €72 billion to €125 billion.

“[The] EU is committed to be a political and security actor in the region—not just as a development cooperation, trading or investment partner,” Ambassador Luc Véron said. “[We look] forward to collaborating with Asean, particularly in the areas of green transition, defense and sustainable connectivity.”

As the Philippines takes over the role of Asean Coordinator for Dialogue Relations with the EU for a period of three years from August 2021, the webinar will pave the way for a new level of relations between both blocs. The webinar also coincides with the celebration of Asean Day.

Invited to the webinar are Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, EU Ambassador to Asean Igor Driesmans, Asean Director-general for Singapore Mark Neo and former foreign affairs secretary Delia Domingoalbert. Véron will provide the welcome remarks.

The event is open to the diplomatic community, Philippine government agencies, think-tanks, academe—including students, media, and the business community. Interested participants can register via