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 more active global player. Its foreign policy has increasingly emphasized dialogue, multilateralism, and openness — principles reflected in its growing engagement with the EU and within the broader ASEAN framework.
Vietnam’s diplomatic relations with the EU were established in 1990 and upgraded in 2012 to a Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation framework. According to official data, Vietnam currently maintains the highest number of cooperation mechanisms with the EU among ASEAN member states, covering areas such as trade, security, education, and environmental sustainability.
Expanding Economic and Development Cooperation
Economic ties form a central pillar of the relationship. Since the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into effect five years ago, bilateral trade has increased between 10% and 20% annually, even amid global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, trade between the two sides reached USD 68.4 billion, while figures for the first eight months of 2025 indicate a continued rise.
The EU ranks as Vietnam’s sixth-largest investor and fifth-largest trading partner, and remains a leading provider of official development assistance (ODA). European funding and technical assistance have supported Vietnam in fields such as judicial reform, education, environmental protection, and climate resilience — including through initiatives under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.
One of the most prominent collaborations is the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), under which the EU, alongside the United Kingdom and other partners, is helping Vietnam transition toward renewable energy and lower emissions.
Strengthening Political and Security Ties
In recent years, Vietnam has also expanded defence and security cooperation with the EU. The country opened a Defence Attaché Office in Belgium in 2024, accredited to the EU, and has contributed officers to EU training missions in Africa since 2022. Political dialogue mechanisms and high-level visits continue to facilitate coordination on regional and global security issues.
Future Cooperation: Trade, Technology, and Sustainable Growth
Looking ahead, Vietnam and the EU aim to deepen collaboration across trade, innovation, and sustainable development. Hanoi has expressed hope that remaining EU Member States will ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which would provide stronger legal guarantees for investors.
Vietnam strengthening EU relations after 35 ‘remarkable’ years, says foreign minister https://t.co/Ok13R9YjJX pic.twitter.com/DcrOeu9g9g
— Euractiv (@Euractiv) October 27, 2025
Emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure are identified as potential areas for cooperation, particularly with European research institutions in Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The EU’s experience in clean energy and environmental management aligns with Vietnam’s domestic goals for a greener economy.
Vietnam has also extended unilateral visa exemptions for 12 additional EU Member States, facilitating travel and business exchanges.
A continuing point of discussion remains the EU’s “yellow card” warning related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Vietnam has taken steps to strengthen its legal framework and enforcement mechanisms, hoping to see the measure lifted as it advances toward more sustainable fisheries management.
Education and Cultural Exchange: Building Bridges
Education and cultural links have long been viewed as a foundation of Vietnam–EU relations. Thousands of Vietnamese students and professionals have studied in Europe since the 1970s, many of whom later assumed leadership roles in Vietnam’s public and private sectors.
People-to-people exchanges and alumni networks continue to foster mutual understanding and are considered an important element of bilateral cooperation.
Vietnam’s Role in ASEAN–EU Relations
As ASEAN and the EU mark over four decades of dialogue, Vietnam’s role as a connector between the two regional blocs has become increasingly visible. Vietnam, which joined ASEAN in 1995, served as coordinator of ASEAN–EU relations from 2012 to 2015 and chaired ASEAN in 2020, during which the partnership was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership.
ASEAN’s Vision 2045 and the EU’s €10 billion commitment under the Global Gateway initiative are expected to open new opportunities in areas such as renewable energy, digital connectivity, and sustainable infrastructure. Vietnam and the EU have both emphasized the potential for collaboration under flagship ASEAN projects like the ASEAN Power Grid and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement.
Some observers have also proposed exploring a future region-to-region free trade agreement between ASEAN and the EU, using the existing EU–Vietnam FTA as a model.
Diplomatic Orientation and Global Outlook
Vietnam’s foreign policy continues to follow principles established during the country’s post-independence period: independence, self-reliance, peace, and multilateral cooperation. Since the launch of its “Đổi Mới” (Renovation) reforms in the 1980s, Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 195 countries and developed comprehensive or higher-level partnerships with 38.
The country’s diplomacy today focuses on creating conditions for economic development, ensuring security, and contributing to a stable international environment. Vietnam positions itself as a proactive partner in global governance, advocating adherence to international law, including the United Nations Charter and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
As it celebrates 80 years of diplomatic activity, Vietnam signals that it will continue to pursue an outward-looking, cooperative foreign policy — balancing national interests with contributions to regional and global stability.