Indo-Pacific – European Neighbourhood Monitor

Malaysia and the European Union Near Completion of Free Trade Agreement

Malaysia and the European Union are in the final stages of concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), alongside a broader partnership framework intended to enhance economic cooperation and bilateral relations. Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, Mohamad Hasan, indicated that progress has accelerated as the EU increasingly views Southeast Asia as a strategically important region. This shift comes […]

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Vietnam and the European Union Mark 35 Years of diplomatic relations

Indo-Pacific, Uncategorized / ENM

As Vietnam and the European Union prepare to mark 35 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, both sides are highlighting progress made in political, economic, and development cooperation, as well as outlining priorities for the future. From Post-War Recovery to Global Engagement Over the past decades, Vietnam has transitioned from a post-war nation to a

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EU and Philippines Forge New “Security & Defence Dialogue”

Indo-Pacific / ENM

The European Union and the Philippines have announced the creation of a new Security and Defence Dialogue, deepening their strategic cooperation as tensions mount in the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative underscores Europe’s growing role in global security and its resolve to counter the threats posed by China and Russia. The dialogue, agreed during a joint

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Doubts raised on effectiveness on newly proposed EUDR simplification

Indo-Pacific / ENM

The European Commission has announced simplifications to the implementation of its Deforestation Regulation in response to complaints about the cost of it for businesses. The initiative is part of its more general ongoing focus on streamlining regulatory processes while continuing to apply the overall ambitions of the Green Deal. Regarding EUDR simplification, the Commission published

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EU and India aim to seal free trade agreement by the end of the year

Indo-Pacific / ENM

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Friday that the European Union and India are committed to finalizing a free-trade agreement by the end of the year. Speaking in New Delhi during her two-day visit, von der Leyen emphasized that strengthening ties with India is a strategic priority for Europe. She described the

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Bird flu: EU donates 1 million euros to Vietnam

Indo-Pacific / ENM

The European Commission has announced it will release 1 million euros on Wednesday to fight bird flu in Vietnam. European Commissioner for Health David Byrne announced this in the European Parliament. The bird flu is already raging through nine Asian countries, where a total of some 6.6 billion chickens live/lived. The number of infections in wild

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Von der Leyen suggests EUDR has strained relations with trading partners

Indo-Pacific / ENM

After securing European Parliamentary support for a second term, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has suggested that EU deforestation rules (EUDR) have complicated the EU’s relationship with trading partners. The EU rules, which impose new bureaucratic requirements on products seen to be linked to deforestation, have led to protest from both the United

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EP election results likely to cause delay in implementation of new EU deforestation rules

Indo-Pacific / ENM

The recent European Parliament election results have renewed speculation that the implementation of new EU deforestation regulations will be delayed, amid significant opposition to the European Green Deal. A postponement of the EUDR implementation would be favorable for those involved in the palm oil supply chain, from small-scale farmers in Suuth East Asia to manufacturers

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New Report: US national security at risk from Chinese interference due to courts becoming political battlegrounds

Indo-Pacific / ENM

A new special report concludes that Western countries could see their influence in Asia rapidly decline without a new approach to the region based on partnership and free trade. Although targeted at European policymakers, the report highlights major risks to national security from third party litigation funding that American policymakers have so far neglected. The

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Revealed: Trading partners ask EU: “Who has appointed you world regulator?”

Indo-Pacific / ENM

In a speech for the the Institute of International and European Affairs, Sabine Weyand (picture), the European Commission’s Director General for Trade, has remarked that trading partners are increasingly questioning EU’s use of trade policy to act as a “global regulator”. She thereby also questioned the EU’s handling of its deforestation directive, stating: “We should

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