The European Union and Viet Nam have agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aiming to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, climate, and security. This move comes after 35 years of diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
According to an official statement, “The EU and Viet Nam will cooperate more closely across a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, sustainable development, climate and energy, digital transformation, research and innovation, security-related issues, and cooperation in multilateral fora. The new strategic partnership will also provide an opportunity to deepen dialogue and cooperation on human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Officials noted that this decision highlights the growth of ties over the past three decades. It also reflects a mutual interest in working together within the changing international landscape. The statement said, “This decision reflects how much ties between the EU and Viet Nam have grown over the past three decades. It also shows a shared interest in working more closely in an evolving international environment, particularly in support of international law, multilateralism, and free and open trade.”
The agreement builds on existing frameworks such as the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement. Over the last ten years, these agreements have led to increased trade and investment as well as collaboration in fields like sustainable development and clean energy transition. Other areas of joint work include environmental protection, judicial reform, education initiatives, security matters, and regional stability.
Diplomatic relations between the European Union and Viet Nam were formally established in 1990. Since then, their partnership has expanded significantly to cover economic exchange as well as political dialogue and development cooperation. Today, the EU is considered one of Viet Nam’s main partners for trade and sustainable development.
“This step builds on years of close cooperation. Agreements like the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement have boosted trade, investment, and exchanges over the past decade, bringing real benefits to businesses and people on both sides. Cooperation has also grown in areas such as sustainable development and the clean energy transition, climate action, environmental protection, judicial reform, education, security and regional stability,” according to officials.
For further information about this announcement or for access to the Joint Statement issued by both parties’ spokespersons—including Paula Pinho (Chief Spokesperson), Olof Gill (Deputy Chief Spokesperson), Arianna Podesta (Deputy Chief Spokesperson), or Anitta Hipper (Spokesperson)—contact details are available through official channels.
