Vietnam and the European Union have officially elevated their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The decision was announced on January 29 in Hanoi following talks between Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and European Council President António Costa.
Vietnam is the first country in ASEAN to reach this level of diplomatic engagement with the EU. The European Union is now among the republic's key partners, alongside China, the United States, India, and Russia.
The economic foundation for this closer relationship is the Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). In the five years since its implementation, mutual trade has increased by more than one and a half times: from $45 billion in 2019 to $74 billion (preliminary) by the end of 2025. In the first 11 months of 2025, the trade volume reached $66.8 billion.
To further grow ties, the parties agreed to accelerate the ratification of the Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). This will create a legal framework for the inflow of European capital into Vietnamese projects.
Key areas of joint work:
- Science and Technology: Launching joint programs in the field of artificial intelligence and high technologies. This will allow Vietnam to develop its own digital projects, using modern European developments.
- Investment and Raw Materials: The EU is interested in Vietnam as a center for the production of semiconductors and the extraction of rare metals. In return, Vietnam will gain access to technologies to modernize its industry.
- Transport and Infrastructure: Development of seaports and expansion of the metro network (including the 3rd line in Hanoi). New direct flights between the EU and Vietnam are also planned.
- Energy and Ecology: Transition of factories to environmentally friendly production. The EU will help Vietnam develop solar and wind energy so that Vietnamese goods meet European standards.
- Security: Cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and the protection of maritime borders. The parties confirmed a common position on protecting freedom of navigation in the South China Sea based on international law.
- Fisheries: Work to remove the EU's "yellow card" (restrictions on seafood exports). This will simplify customs inspections and allow Vietnam to supply fish to the European market without barriers.
In the near future, the parties will begin developing a detailed action plan to implement all the agreements reached.