Economy

OVERVIEW

The EU’s external relations with Asia are still underlined by the 2001 European Commission Communication: "Europe And Asia: A Strategic Framework For Enhanced Partnership.” This communication was released just before the events of September 11. With the tremendous changes that have taken place both in Europe and Asia, and globally, and with the passage of the Lisbon Treaty aimed at shoring up the EU’s identity and capacity to act on the world stage, Alain Ruche shared his thoughts on a more coherent EU strategy towards Asia, particularly the Southeast Asian region, which seems feasible and opportune. At the same time, he reviewed the EU’s engagement of Asia in the past, the broadening scope of EU instruments and policies towards Asia, and highlighted possible outlines of a future EU-Asia strategy in the new, multipolar world.

Sixty participants representing students, faculty staff, think tanks, and the local embassy community attended this talk.


SPEAKER

Mr. Alain Ruche, Deputy Head of Unit, DG External Relations, European Commission