Strengthening EU-Singapore business partnerships
EuroCham
The AGM marked the lead-up to EuroCham’s 25th anniversary in 2026, reflecting its role as the voice of European business in Singapore and its contribution to strengthening EU-Singapore business partnerships.
Dr Balakrishnan, delivered an address and engaged in a fireside discussion with EuroCham President, Jens Rübbert, where they discussed global geopolitical and economic tensions, their impact on Singapore, and the evolving role of EU–Singapore partnerships, resilience, and future opportunities for businesses. The conversation comes at a significant moment, as both sides look ahead to 2027, marking 60 years of ASEAN and the 50th anniversary of EU-ASEAN Dialogue Relations.
In his address ahead of the fireside chat, Dr Balakrishnan said, “The key point for the principle of consensus and deliberations is when you’re dealing with such diversity, getting everyone on board is critical, otherwise, you can make grand announcements - but you can’t make it stick.”
He also emphasised, “What I would like is to accelerate EU-ASEAN free trade agreements”.
Speaking about alignment between the EU and Southeast Asia, the Minister said, “We all still believe in the rule of law, that alignment creates quite a natural partnership, because the rest of the world is being disrupted, globalisation is under pressure, free trade is being dismantled, it calls for even more doubling down on this collective approach between the EU and Southeast Asia”.
In his welcome address at the AGM, Ambassador Bērtulis spoke about the strength of the EU-Singapore partnership, saying: “Above all, this cooperation is creating jobs, driving innovation, and generating wealth on both sides. Our partnership extends far beyond trade. In the digital realm, the EU–Singapore Digital Partnership provides a platform to ensure that future technologies benefit our societies and support our shared prosperity. On the green transition, Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and the EU’s Green Deal offer complementary visions for a more sustainable future. We are already collaborating on decarbonisation. Renewable energy and sustainable aviation fuels are areas where European and Singaporean companies can lead the world together.”
He added: “The EU and Singapore have navigated an increasingly uncertain economic environment, one we did not choose, but one we must confront. The rules-based international order has come under severe strain. Wars, energy shortages, and the weaponisation of trade have tested our resilience. But in these trials, we have seen the strength of our partnership.”
Read Ambassador's speech
More in the media release
