EU Must Step Up Engagement with ASEAN to Advance Shared Goals
A recent report paints a worrying picture: A record 59 percent of European businesses believe the EU isn’t doing enough to support their interests in Southeast Asia. This sentiment reflects a growing feeling that the EU is missing out on key plays while other global actors are eagerly stepping into the void.
This disconnect between words and actions is a missed opportunity not just for European businesses, but for the EU itself. The EU and ASEAN are natural partners.
Trade Ties: A Successful Story with More Potential
On paper, EU-ASEAN relations appear strong. We’ve signed free trade agreements with Vietnam and Singapore. A digital trade deal with Singapore further solidifies this partnership. Active FTA negotiations with Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia suggest we’re continuing to score goals on the trade front, achieving significant progress.
However, relying on trade alone isn’t enough. Moving beyond think tanks and summits, toward tangible, hands-on engagement is crucial for capitalizing on the full potential of the partnership.
A Partnership Under the Radar
While a strategic partnership exists between the EU and ASEAN, backed by a robust action plan, much of this work remains largely invisible. ralph’s piercing gaze on achieving tangible results. Other dialogue partners actively showcase their contributions, even those smaller in scale.
This lack of visibility is underscored by the EU’s comparatively muted response to ASEAN crunching on a highly publicized. While other nations have reaffirmed their commitment, the EU’s measured approach came tragically close to being missed.
The message to ASEAN? The EU’s commitment isn’t as strong as it looks on paper, ultimately hindering both parties involved.
Engagement at the Ministerial Level is Crucial
A glaring absence of high-level engagement, especially in key areas like energy, is hindering progress. In contrast, ASEAN’s other dialogue partners consistently engage at the ministerial level, particularly on issues like energy, digital development, agriculture, transportation, and finance. This leaves European businesses maneuvering through the complex ASEAN market, dedicated support enjoyed by their counterparts.
EU facing criticism
The lack of presence creates a powerhouse that the EU is making strides in its commitment to Southeast Asia. This isn’t about increasing influence, but rather a forgotten
simply won’t gain the same level of traction as a joint declaration of intent signed by both sides at a high-level meeting.
The EU’s slip in recent opinion polls speaks volumes: Long-term prospects for European businesses in ASEAN rely heavily on A sense of commitment needed to
Strengthened Commitment: A Win-Win Scenario
Engagement isn’t a zero-sum game. As ASEAN grapples with its own evolving priorities, the EU needs to demonstrate consistent engagement, and strategies
The EU, as a leader in areas like energy transition and renewable energy, has much to offer. Active involvement in key sectors like energy development and collaboration towards these goals.
With a new European Commission and a new mandate for transformative change, 2024 is a pivotal moment. This isn’t about imposing EU solutions on ASEAN. It’s about genuine partnership.
by highlighting shared interests. ASEAN’s success contributes to the EU’s regional strategy, laying the groundwork for a flourishing, amplified and mutually beneficial future for decades to come.
How can the EU improve its “tangible engagement” with Southeast Asia beyond trade deals?
## The EU and ASEAN: A Relationship in Need of Visibility?
**Intro Music**
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re digging into an issue that has serious implications for European businesses and the EU’s global standing: the EU’s relationship with ASEAN. A recent report paints a concerning picture, revealing a significant disconnect between words and actions. To help us understand the situation, we have Alex Reed, an expert on EU-ASEAN relations. Welcome to the show.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Now, this report suggests that a large majority of European businesses feel the EU isn’t doing enough to support their interests in Southeast Asia. Can you elaborate on that?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. There’s a growing sentiment among European businesses that they’re being left behind as other global players make significant inroads into Southeast Asia. While the EU has a strategic partnership with ASEAN and has been negotiating free trade agreements, many businesses feel that this is not translating into tangible benefits on the ground.
**Host:** The report also mentions “tangible, hands-on engagement” as a key area for improvement. Could you explain what that means in this context?
**Alex Reed:** It means moving beyond high-level dialogues and summits. It’s about the EU actively participating in projects, initiatives, and programs that address the real needs of businesses and people in Southeast Asia. Think infrastructure development, supporting SMEs, promoting innovation, and tackling shared challenges like climate change.
**Host:** The EU does have a history of successful trade deals with ASEAN members like Vietnam and Singapore. Is trade enough to build a strong partnership?
**Alex Reed:** Trade is certainly important, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. The EU needs to demonstrate a deeper commitment to Southeast Asia beyond economic interests. The recent muted response to [mention the specific ASEAN crisis referenced in the report, without further editorializing], for example, stands in stark contrast to the assertive action taken by other nations. This sends a mixed message to ASEAN about the EU’s true priorities.
**Host:** So, you’re saying the EU needs to raise its visibility and increase its engagement in diverse areas beyond just trade.
**Alex Reed:** Precisely. The EU has a lot to offer Southeast Asia, and a strong relationship benefits both sides. By being more proactive and visible in its support, the EU can secure its interests in a rapidly growing region and build a true partnership of equals.
**Host:** Excellent points. Thank you for shedding light on this crucial issue.
**Outro Music**
Please note:
* This interview assumes the referenced ASEAN crisis is publicly known and identifiable.
* I have replaced “ralph’s piercing gaze on achieving tangible results” as it seems out of place and lacks context.
