Press release - East Asia: stronger cooperation to boost EU’s security and competitiveness

East Asia: stronger cooperation to boost EU’s security and competitiveness
MEPs want the EU to expand diplomatic relations, security cooperation and economic partnerships with like-minded partners in East Asia amid a shifting geopolitical situation.
In a report adopted on Wednesday 24 June by the Committee on Foreign Affairs by 56 votes in favour, 6 against and 4 abstentions, MEPs say the growing influence of authoritarian governance models in East Asia requires closer cooperation and coordination with democratic partners such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy
Deeper engagement with East Asia is necessary to reduce the EU’s strategic reliance and strengthen economic security, MEPs say. As regional dynamics are increasingly shaped by coercive economic practices and security tensions, they advocate stronger cooperation with partners that share the same democratic values and high regulatory standards.
The report supports stronger trade and investment links with regional partners to diversify supply chains and improve EU access to critical technologies and resources, particularly semiconductors, batteries, and critical raw materials. Recognising Japan’s and South Korea’s leadership in AI, defence technologies and responses to cyber and military threats, MEPs encourage more structured military-industrial cooperation focused on interoperability, joint development, and procurement, especially in aviation and drone technologies.
Regional partnerships and security
The report supports strengthening the EU’s strategic partnerships with Japan and South Korea on cybersecurity, counterterrorism, crisis management, and countering disinformation and foreign interference, alongside stronger economic ties. It also calls for the creation of a dedicated EU–Taiwan cooperation framework with a strong economic and trade dimension, focusing on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cyber- and maritime security.
MEPs are supportive of closer coordination with regional partners to address China’s growing influence on international peace and stability, particularly in relation to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and instability in the Middle East. They further advocate a more coherent EU policy on North Korea, developed together with Japan and South Korea, in response to Russia’s growing cooperation with Pyongyang and concerns about its support for North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic programmes, including possible links with Iran.
Quote
“In an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment, the European Union must intensify its cooperation with like-minded partners in East Asia. The region is not only a cornerstone of global trade, technological innovation, and critical supply chains, but also a key pillar of international security. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated that security challenges are interconnected and global in nature. As geopolitical shifts continue to reshape the international order, strengthening our partnerships with Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan is essential to promoting stability, resilience and the rules-based international order that underpins our shared prosperity and security,” rapporteur Adam Bielan (ECR, Poland) said.
Next steps
The report will now be tabled for a vote by the whole Parliament in a next plenary session.
Contacts:
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Alessio INCORVAIA
Press Officer