The visit is taking place amidst rapid, complex, and unpredictable developments in the world and the region. Overall, peace, cooperation, and development remain the dominant trends; however, instability, uncertainty, and unpredictability are increasing. Strategic competition among major powers has entered a new phase; developing countries are facing mounting challenges to security and development; and non-traditional security issues are becoming increasingly complex. The global economic slowdown, trade conflicts, and rising protectionism are hindering the process of international economic integration. The Indo-Pacific region continues to hold strategic importance, serving as a driver of global growth and as a key focal point of major-power strategic competition.
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EVFTA has delivered strong results, making Vietnam the E.U.’s largest trading partner in ASEAN. |
With 27 member states and a population of around 450 million, the European Union (E.U.) is the world’s third-largest economy, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 19.4 trillion. Intra-E.U. external trade accounts for approximately 14% of global trade. In the context of a global economic downturn, the E.U. is actively strengthening its internal market, diversifying partnerships, enhancing strategic autonomy and competitiveness, and rolling out new initiatives and strategies.
Since the official establishment of their diplomatic ties on November 28, 1990, Vietnam - E.U. relations have developed increasingly positively. The two sides have signed five cooperation agreements and implemented eight regular dialogue mechanisms. Vietnam is the only ASEAN country that has established cooperation across all pillars with the E.U.
In the political and diplomatic sphere, political trust continues to be strengthened at both the Vietnam - E.U. level and between Vietnam and E.U.’s member states. The two sides maintain exchanges of delegations and increase high-level contacts, while holding annual meetings of the Vietnam - E.U. Joint Committee and its subordinate sub-committees. The E.U. has affirmed its appreciation of Vietnam’s position in the region, viewing Vietnam as a gateway to expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific. The E.U. has proposed upgrading bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and expressed its desire to make relations with Vietnam a model of cooperation between the E.U. and other countries.
In trade and investment, after five years of implementation, the E.U. - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has delivered strong results, making Vietnam the E.U.’s largest trading partner in ASEAN. Bilateral trade turnover in the first 11 months of 2025 exceeded USD 66.8 billion, up 6.6% year-on-year compared to the same period in 2024. The E.U. is Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner, third-largest export market, and fifth-largest import market. Total foreign direct investment (FDI) from E.U. enterprises in Vietnam has reached USD 30 billion, placing the E.U. sixth among 140 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Vietnam currently has 98 investment projects in the E.U., with total capital of USD 434.88 million.
In development cooperation, the E.U. is one of Vietnam’s major aid providers. During the 2021–2024 period, the E.U. committed EUR 210 million in non-refundable aid to Vietnam. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the E.U. and its member states supported Vietnam with 31.8 million doses of vaccines. In 2024 and 2025, the E.U. provided hundreds of thousands of euros to help Vietnam address the aftermath of natural disasters.
Cooperation in science, technology, and innovation has emerged as a new pillar of collaboration between Vietnam and many E.U. member states. Vietnam is the first ASEAN country to establish a framework for participation in E.U. crisis management activities (FPA). The two sides have also established a defense and security dialogue mechanism, reaffirming their commitment to contribute more actively to global peace and security efforts.
In a world marked by volatility, Vietnam and the E.U. share many similarities, including sustainable values, support for multilateralism, peacebuilding, and the elimination of risks of armed violence and localized conflicts for comprehensive development. The two sides’ shared vision of a peaceful, secure, safe, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, together with their commitment to respect for international law, support for free trade, and sustainable development, will provide strong impetus for Vietnam - E.U. cooperation at a deeper strategic level.
We are confident that the visit to Vietnam by President of the European Council Antonio Costa will be a great success, elevating Vietnam - E.U. relations to a new height, serving the interests of both sides, becoming one of the model relationships between Asia and Europe, and jointly contributing to a more peaceful, prosperous, green, and sustainable future for both regions and the world.
By Editorial Board of the People’s Army Newspaper
Translated by Tran Hoai