EU Unfazed by ASEAN’s Growing Interest in BRICS,Says Ambassador
The European Union (EU) has expressed no concerns over ASEAN economies seeking closer ties with the China and Russia-led BRICS alliance,according to EU Ambassador to ASEAN Sujiro Seam. This comes as BRICS, originally conceived as a counterweight to the West, continues to expand its influence globally.
BRICS Expansion and ASEAN’s Role
BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently welcomed Indonesia as its 10th member. This marks a notable milestone for the ASEAN founding member, which joins Malaysia and Thailand as partner countries to the bloc. Last year, BRICS also expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, further solidifying its position as a coalition representing the so-called Global South.
Despite this growing alignment, the EU remains confident in its relationship with ASEAN. “Our partnership with ASEAN is guided by the joint leaders’ statement and the action plan, nonetheless of the decisions made by the members of ASEAN or the EU. This framework remains the guiding star of our relations. So I don’t think [their interest in BRICS] will change the way we engage with [ASEAN],” Seam stated.
EU’s Strategic Engagement with ASEAN
The EU and ASEAN have a long-standing partnership, underpinned by a detailed plan of action and a joint leaders’ statement issued in 2022.These frameworks outline the roadmap for cooperation between the two blocs over the coming years.Under the second term of European commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the EU has committed to deepening its global engagement, including recognizing the emergence of BRICS as a significant player in the Global South.
“So we are willing to engage with the rest of the world more than ever, including recognizing the emergence of this new grouping representing the Global South through BRICS,” Seam emphasized. He added that this makes it “even more relevant for us to engage with ASEAN in the context of our strategic partnership with ASEAN.”
Challenges in EU-Indonesia Relations
While the EU remains a strategic partner to ASEAN, its bilateral ties with individual member states, such as Indonesia, have faced challenges. The EU and Indonesia have been negotiating a free trade agreement since 2016, but progress has been hindered by recent developments. The EU’s anti-deforestation policy, which could restrict Indonesia’s palm oil exports to Europe, and its lawsuit over indonesia’s nickel ore export ban have created friction in their relationship.
EU’s Approach to BRICS Members
At present, the EU engages with BRICS members on an individual basis. As an example, it is indeed currently negotiating a free trade agreement with India, one of the founding members of BRICS. This approach reflects the EU’s strategy of fostering bilateral ties while maintaining its broader partnership with ASEAN.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| BRICS Expansion | Indonesia joins as 10th member; Malaysia and Thailand are partner countries |
| EU-ASEAN Relations | Guided by joint leaders’ statement and action plan |
| EU’s global Engagement| Increasing under Ursula von der Leyen’s second term |
| Challenges | EU-Indonesia trade pact stalled due to anti-deforestation policy and lawsuit|
As ASEAN nations continue to explore closer ties with BRICS, the EU remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Southeast Asian bloc. the evolving dynamics of global alliances underscore the importance of strategic engagement and adaptability in international relations.
EU and ASEAN Amid BRICS Expansion: A Conversation with Dr. elena Martinez
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As BRICS continues to expand its global influence, the European Union (EU) remains unfazed by ASEAN nations’ growing interest in the alliance. We sat down with Dr. Elena Martinez, an expert on international relations and global alliances, to discuss the evolving dynamics between the EU, ASEAN, and BRICS, as well as the implications of Indonesia’s recent entry into the bloc.
the Significance of BRICS Expansion
Senior Editor: Dr. Martinez, BRICS has recently expanded to include Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand as partner countries. What does this mean for the global balance of power?
Dr. Martinez: The inclusion of Indonesia, and also the recent additions of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, solidifies BRICS as a formidable coalition representing the Global South. Indonesia’s entry is particularly significant as it’s a founding member of ASEAN, which signals a shift in Southeast Asia’s geopolitical alignment. This expansion strengthens BRICS’ ability to counterbalance Western influence, particularly from the EU and the United States.
EU’s Confidence in ASEAN Relations
Senior Editor: Despite ASEAN’s growing interest in BRICS, the EU remains confident in its partnership with the bloc. Why is that?
Dr. Martinez: The EU and ASEAN have a well-established relationship, guided by the 2022 joint leaders’ statement and a detailed action plan. These frameworks provide a clear roadmap for cooperation, which the EU believes will remain unaffected by ASEAN’s engagement with BRICS. EU Ambassador Sujiro Seam has aptly stated that their partnership is resilient and adaptable, even as ASEAN explores new alliances.
EU’s Global Engagement Strategy
Senior editor: The EU has emphasized deepening its global engagement under President Ursula von der Leyen. How does this align with the rise of BRICS?
Dr. Martinez: The EU recognizes BRICS as a significant player in the Global South and is committed to engaging with the world more then ever. This includes fostering bilateral ties with individual BRICS members, such as India, where the EU is currently negotiating a free trade agreement. At the same time, the EU is strengthening its strategic partnership with ASEAN, ensuring that its influence in the region remains robust despite BRICS’ expansion.
Challenges in EU-Indonesia Relations
Senior Editor: while the EU and ASEAN have strong ties,there seem to be challenges in the EU’s relationship with Indonesia. Can you elaborate on this?
Dr. Martinez: Certainly. The EU and Indonesia have been negotiating a free trade agreement as 2016, but progress has been hindered by recent disputes. The EU’s anti-deforestation policy threatens Indonesia’s palm oil exports, and there’s ongoing litigation over Indonesia’s nickel ore export ban. These issues have created friction and delayed the finalization of the trade deal, complicating bilateral relations despite their broader alignment within ASEAN.
looking Ahead: The Future of Global Alliances
Senior Editor: As BRICS continues to grow, what do you see as the future of global alliances, particularly for ASEAN and the EU?
Dr.Martinez: The world is becoming increasingly multipolar, and alliances are no longer static. ASEAN’s engagement with BRICS reflects its desire to diversify its partnerships, while the EU remains committed to maintaining its strategic ties with Southeast Asia. The key for both blocs will be adaptability and mutual respect. As long as the EU and ASEAN continue to engage constructively, their partnership can thrive alongside other emerging alliances like BRICS.
