Approached with humility and purpose, the Korea–EU partnership can become a stabilising force in uncertain times, guiding nations toward a global order defined not by rivalry, but by hope, solidarity and shared progress, Ambassador Ryu Jeong-hyun writes in an exclusive opinion article for Euronews.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Korea–EU Strategic Partnership — a milestone that invites us not only to reflect on how far we have come, but to consider the future we can build together.
Yet we mark this milestone in a world unsettled by profound uncertainty. Geopolitical competition, economic disruptions and rapid technological transformation are converging to reshape the global order.
The war in Ukraine, and the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, has shown how closely the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are now intertwined.
The Lee Jae-myung administration, which took office with the democratic process after a period of political turbulence, is advancing pragmatic diplomacy: strengthening dialogue, reducing tensions, and working with partners to safeguard global peace and prosperity.
A central element of this effort is our policy toward North Korea. We hope to restart dialogue and constructive engagement, with a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula remaining our unwavering priority.
Europe's integration project, an inspiration to Korean people
Europe stands as an indispensable partner in this endeavour. The EU is not only Korea’s third-largest trading partner and our largest foreign investor, but also a steadfast partner in upholding the rules-based international order.
Europe’s integration project has long inspired the Korean people, demonstrating how nations with diverse interests can choose cooperation over division and build a community anchored in peace, dignity and shared prosperity.
And its regulatory influence — reflected in the “Brussels Effect” — continues to shape global standards in an era when norms themselves are strategic assets.
The Lee administration’s focus on Europe was clear from its earliest days. At the G7 Summit last June, President Lee met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa — less than two weeks after taking office.
In July, President Lee dispatched his first special envoy to the EU, underscoring Seoul’s commitment to deepening strategic engagement with Europe.
These steps build on a partnership that has broadened significantly in scope and ambition.
Over the past 15 years, our cooperation has expanded beyond trade to encompass digital innovation, the green transition and scientific collaboration — all anchored in shared values and a commitment to an open, rules-based international order.
Foundational transformations and reforms
And as Europe strengthens its competitiveness and strategic autonomy, Korea stands ready to work alongside the EU to advance green and digital transformation, secure resilient supply chains and uphold the values that unite us.
Korea’s recent association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme, marks a pivotal step in this regard.
As the first Asian country to join the framework, Korean researchers and companies can now collaborate directly with European partners in frontier technologies such as semiconductors, clean hydrogen, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
This aligns seamlessly with the Lee administration’s priorities. Korea aims to build a next-generation innovation ecosystem that accelerates the adoption of AI, clean technologies and advanced manufacturing - the foundation for an “AI transformation” across the country.
We are expanding large-scale AI data centres, strengthening digital infrastructure and cultivating the talent needed to lead the next wave of technological progress.
Regulatory reforms are under way to ensure that innovation is both responsible and inclusive — the basis of an “AI-enabled society” in which technological transformation benefits all.
At the same time, we are committed to deepening cooperation with Europe in the defence-industrial domain.
As strategic risks intensify, both Europe and the Indo-Pacific recognise the necessity of expanding production capacity, accelerating innovation and improving interoperability.
Korea believes that a more connected defence-industrial ecosystem is vital to reinforcing deterrence and safeguarding peace across our region.
Hope, solidarity and shared progress
Ultimately, however, the strength of the Korea-EU partnership rests not only on institutions or agreements, but on the bonds between our people.
European art, literature, philosophy and design have profoundly influenced Korean intellectual and cultural life for generations.
And today, Korean culture — from K-pop, K-movies, K-food to K-beauty — resonates across Europe, becoming a bridge that fosters familiarity, trust and understanding between our societies.
These people-to-people connections are the quiet architecture of trust that sustains our strategic partnership.
As we look to the next 15 years, Korea stands ready to work even more closely with the European Union — its institutions, industries and people — to strengthen peace, enhance economic resilience and advance responsible innovation rooted in our shared values.
Approached with humility and purpose, the Korea–EU partnership can become a stabilising force in uncertain times.
It can serve as a beacon for a new era — guiding nations toward a global order defined not by rivalry, but by hope, solidarity, and shared progress.
His Excellency Ryu Jeong-hyun is the Republic of Korea's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, the European Union and NATO.