EU and Vietnam seek faster approval of investment protections
EU and Vietnamese leaders called for swift ratification of their investment protection agreement during Tô Lâm’s Brussels visit on October 22. Their existing free trade agreement remains a separate instrument already in force. A joint statement also set priorities for critical raw materials, infrastructure and security cooperation, following January’s upgrade of relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Geopolitics··Midday
Brussels leaders call for ratification
EU and Vietnamese leaders called for swift ratification of their investment protection agreement during Tô Lâm’s visit to Brussels on October 22. Vietnam’s Communist Party general secretary and president met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. The call accompanied a joint statement deepening trade, investment and critical raw materials cooperation. The free trade agreement is already in force, while investment agreement ratification remains incomplete.[1], [2]
Infrastructure and energy remain priorities
Relations were upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in January. The leaders called for full implementation of the trade agreement and renewed cooperation through Global Gateway, the EU’s infrastructure investment initiative, and the Just Energy Transition Partnership supporting energy transition. Their priorities include critical raw materials, technology, innovation, education and strategic infrastructure. The joint statement also identifies the circular economy and marine-based blue economy as areas for cooperation.[1]
Maritime and human-rights dialogue continues
Defence and security cooperation is framed by each side’s laws, priorities and policies. Maritime safety, cybersecurity, crisis management and capacity-building feature among existing areas of work. The leaders reaffirmed human-rights commitments and their bilateral dialogue. They also stressed effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order. Costa and von der Leyen welcomed Vietnam’s role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the regional grouping of Southeast Asian countries.[1]
