Reshape Europe

Publication: EU-ASEAN Relations in light of the War in Ukraine

Following the Conference ASEAN-EU Relations in Light of the War in Ukraine in Bangkok in June, James Gomez and Robin Ramcharan of the Asia Centre have published a policy paper, which focuses on geopolitical tensions, regional integration, trade and values.

The authors believe that negotiations about an ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement should resume: “An FTA would generate prosperity and serve both blocs’ strategic interests. It also holds the framework for ASEAN members to deepen their regional integration.”

Gomez and Ramcharan recognize remaining, long standing disagreements and differences over standards and values, which have stalled the negotiations. “However, the overwhelming sentiment expressed at the conference was that the EU should find ways to enable ASEAN to meet the EU’s standards and embrace its values-based approach to cooperation. If the trade agreements cannot be concluded, it will be a loss for both parties.”

Please download the Policy paper here.
 

The Regional Office Southeast and East Asia of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and the Asia Centre cooperate on various issues, such as Business & Human Rights, ASEAN and Media Freedom in Southeast Asia.