The summit marked a new phase in the EU-Republic of Korea strategic partnership. It delivered outcomes aimed at strengthening economic resilience, security and defence cooperation, research and the clean energy transition.
The leaders underlined the interconnected nature of European and Indo-Pacific security. They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order.
The EU and the Republic of Korea also reaffirmed strong support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression. They expressed grave concern over the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and stressed the importance of the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
To deepen cooperation, the leaders committed to expanding the EU-Republic of Korea Security and Defence Partnership. The areas identified include cyber and hybrid threats, foreign information manipulation and interference, counterterrorism, non-proliferation, maritime security and space security.
The two sides also agreed to work towards a Security of Information Agreement. The agreement would facilitate secure exchanges of classified information between the European Union and the Republic of Korea.
“We may be far apart geographically, but the EU and Korea face similar security challenges,” said Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. “When the international rules-based order is under attack, when the danger of proliferation of nuclear weapons is real, when we are threatened by aggressive neighbours, we know we have a friend in Korea.”
“That is why we will make our Security and Defence Partnership more robust,” Kallas said. “For instance by starting work on a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate secure exchanges of classified information.”
The summit also addressed broader strategic cooperation, including economic security, supply chains, advanced technologies and innovation. The EU and the Republic of Korea agreed to launch a new Competitiveness Partnership and establish a High-Level Economic Dialogue.
President von der Leyen said the wider partnership had become increasingly important. “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,” von der Leyen said. The summit also saw the signing of a Digital Trade Agreement, which the EU said would make digital transactions easier and more predictable.
The leaders welcomed cooperation under the existing trade agreement and progress on trade and sustainable development. They also noted opportunities for further cooperation through a possible Mutual Recognition Agreement on conformity assessments, certificates and markings.
The summit also covered energy security, clean energy and research cooperation. The EU and the Republic of Korea launched a High-Level Energy Dialogue and welcomed the first collaborative projects under Korea’s association to Horizon Europe.
The two sides also welcomed the finalisation of negotiations on Passenger Name Records. Once in force, the agreement is intended to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime and terrorism while complying with data protection standards.
Source: European Commission (press release).
