EU involvement in ASEM - European children learning Chinese © EU

The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) has provided a forum for dialogue between Europeans and Asians since 1996. Together the members represent around 58% of the world’s population, half of global GDP and more than 60% of international commerce. Heads of government meet every two years to set the ASEM agenda.

The ASEM process is thriving. Each year between the summits, over 50 ministerial and officials’ meetings occur, maintaining dialogue and momentum. Dialogue topics cover finance, trade, culture, education, disaster preparedness, transport, immigration, climate change, piracy at sea, information technology, food security, development, employment, energy security, global governance and many more.

Outside of the government-level meetings, ASEM also brings together, in individual fora, lawmakers, businesses and civil society groups.

Key achievements include the Trans-Eurasia Information Network (TEIN) – a ground-breaking research and education network connecting researchers in both continents.

EU-Asia Factsheet [720 KB]