EU and ASEAN Reinforce Strategic Partnership at 25th Ministerial Meeting in Brunei
Summary
The 25th EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting convened on 28 April 2026 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, marking nearly five decades of dialogue relations between the two blocs. Ministers reaffirmed shared commitment to a rules-based international order, multilateral cooperation, sustainable development, and discussed regional and global security including South China Sea stability. Discussions also addressed economic resilience through enhanced trade cooperation, green and digital transitions, diversified supply chains, and the EU's Global Gateway investments in sustainable infrastructure across Southeast Asia.
“The European Union and ASEAN share an interest in regional stability and a strong rules-based international order.”
About this source
GovPing monitors EEAS Press for new government & legislation regulatory changes. Every update since tracking began is archived, classified, and available as free RSS or email alerts — 27 changes logged to date.
What changed
The 25th EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting produced a joint reaffirmation of the Strategic Partnership under the EU-ASEAN Plan of Action (2023–2027), with Ministers discussing security, economic resilience, and infrastructure investment. Both sides emphasized commitment to international law including UNCLOS and maintaining peace and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
The meeting signals continued diplomatic engagement between the blocs ahead of the 50th anniversary of EU-ASEAN relations in 2027, with both sides expressing interest in elevating to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. EU companies operating in Southeast Asia or maritime sectors may benefit from monitoring ongoing Global Gateway initiatives and trade facilitation developments.
Archived snapshot
Apr 28, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
window.print())
EU and ASEAN reinforce Strategic Partnership at 25th Ministerial Meeting in Brunei
28.04.2026 Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam – 28 April 2026 EEAS Press Team The 25th EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting convened on 28 April in Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing together Foreign Ministers from the European Union and ASEAN to advance their longstanding partnership and address pressing global challenges.
Marking nearly five decades of dialogue relations, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to a rules-based international order, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable development. Ministers welcomed progress under the EU-ASEAN Plan of Action (2023–2027) and reiterated their ambition to further deepen the Strategic Partnership.
High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas said: “The European Union and ASEAN share an interest in regional stability and a strong rules-based international order. In such testing times for both, our discussions at the EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting underline why more cooperation and stronger partnerships is the best way forward.”
Ministers also conducted a comprehensive exchange on regional and global security developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to international law, including the UN Charter and UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea), and underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The EU and ASEAN also recognised that effective protection of critical maritime security requires a concerted and coordinated effort and encouraged enhanced cooperation through sharing best practices and responses, in accordance with international law.
Discussions also focused on strengthening economic resilience through enhanced trade cooperation, including green and digital transitions and more diversified supply chains. Both sides emphasised the importance of open, transparent, and sustainable economic engagement.
The European Union provided updates on its Global Gateway initiatives, highlighting ongoing and planned investments in sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, and digital connectivity across Southeast Asia. ASEAN welcomed these efforts as a contribution to inclusive and long-term regional growth.
Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of EU-ASEAN relations in 2027, both sides expressed support for elevating cooperation further, including consideration of a future Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
CONTACT DETAILS
Anouar
EL ANOUNI Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Anouar.EL-ANOUNI@ec.europa.eu +32 (0) 229 13580
Related changes
Get daily alerts for EEAS Press
Daily digest delivered to your inbox.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
About this page
Every important government, regulator, and court update from around the world. One place. Real-time. Free. Our mission
Source document text, dates, docket IDs, and authority are extracted directly from EEAS.
The summary, classification, recommended actions, deadlines, and penalty information are AI-generated from the original text and may contain errors. Always verify against the source document.
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when EEAS Press publishes new changes.
Subscribed!
Optional. Filters your digest to exactly the updates that matter to you.