EU and Viet Nam upgrade relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during President Costa’s visit
The European Union and Viet Nam are upgrading their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a new milestone in a partnership that started over 35 years ago. The announcement was made during the official visit of President of the European Council António Costa to Viet Nam, underscoring the EU’s commitment to deepening cooperation with one of its key partners in Southeast Asia.
President Costa met with Viet Nam’s senior leadership in Hanoi to reaffirm the shared ambition to strengthen political dialogue, expand economic ties and advance cooperation on global and regional challenges. The upgrade reflects the growing breadth and maturity of EU–Viet Nam relations, built on strong foundations of mutual respect, trust and shared interests.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will provide a strengthened framework for cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, climate action, energy transition, digital transformation, security and defence, human rights, as well as people-to-people exchanges. It also reinforces both sides’ commitment to multilateralism with the United Nations Charter at its core.
Speaking during the visit, President Costa highlighted Viet Nam’s important role as a dynamic partner in the Indo-Pacific and stressed the EU’s readiness to work closely with Viet Nam to promote stability, sustainable development and open cooperation in the region. Discussions also addressed shared priorities such as maritime security, resilience of supply chains and strengthening connectivity between Europe and Southeast Asia.
The EU and Viet Nam already enjoy strong economic relations, with the EU being one of Viet Nam’s largest trading partners. The EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement continues to deliver tangible benefits for businesses and citizens on both sides, while cooperation on sustainable development and green growth is expanding under the Global Gateway strategy.
President Costa’s visit also highlighted the importance of deeper engagement between the EU and ASEAN partners. The upgraded partnership with Viet Nam demonstrates the EU’s strategic focus on building reliable, forward-looking partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
