Jakarta –
The European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met on Wednesday (14/12) to discuss deeper economic cooperation, but the event failed to produce a joint agreement to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The EU-ASEAN joint statement on the invasion states that only “a majority of members” strongly condemned the war in Ukraine underlining “the need to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity”.
The one-day summit in Brussels, Belgium comes at a time when the conflict in Ukraine is having a major impact on the global economy. The disruptions to Russia’s energy supplies following its invasion of Ukraine since last February have had a devastating impact on the economy and inflation, driving up the prices of everything from food to energy.
Responses were divided on the Ukrainian war
As the EU has pushed for a common front against Russia, ASEAN nations have been divided over their differing responses to the war in Ukraine.
Vietnam and Laos, which have strong military ties to Moscow, remain impartial, while Singapore respects Western sanctions against Russia.
In an October UN vote condemning Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territory, both Vietnam and Laos abstained along with Thailand.
Leaders of nine of the 10 ASEAN countries and leaders of 27 European Union countries attended the summit, which also marked 45 years of diplomatic relations. Due to the exception of the military junta, Myanmar was not represented at the summit.
Investments in Southeast Asia are increasing
The EU-ASEAN summit determined the EU’s commitment to invest billions of dollars in investments in Southeast Asia.
“We need to make sure we have a strong position in our relationship with ASEAN,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said. “We’re talking about supply chains around the world. We’re talking about growth potential.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a pledge of €10 billion by 2027 for infrastructure investments in ASEAN countries. Labeled under the EU’s ‘Global Gateway’ programme, it will mainly focus on green projects and connectivity.
Trade, green and digital transformation, and health were among the areas of collaboration discussed as the two sides aim to strengthen economic ties through increased trade.
“In the globalized world we live in today, it is very important for us to connect with like-minded countries,” said Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
At the same time, the KKT also led to a trade agreement between the EU and ASEAN that was tailored to each ASEAN country. This deal replaces the EU’s efforts more than 10 years ago for a free trade deal with the bloc as a whole.
South China Sea, situation discussed in Myanmar
Tensions with China over sea lanes vital to international trade were another topic discussed by the two sides.
The Philippines, a member of ASEAN, and China have been at odds over claims to the disputed South China Sea. However, China continues to be ASEAN’s largest trading partner, and many countries in the region are wary of cutting ties with their powerful neighbor.
The joint statement also called for the release of political prisoners and an end to the violence in Myanmar. In addition, the summit also produced a joint statement expressing “deep concern” about the instability on the Korean peninsula.
RS/ha (dpa, AP, Reuters, AFP)
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