Library guide to EU-ASEAN relations

A European Union and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit will take place in Brussels on 14 December 2022. For the first time, it will bring together the heads of state or government of the 27 EU countries and of ASEAN member states.

On account of this, the Council Library has compiled a guide to authoritative resources on EU-ASEAN relations.

• Library guide EU–ASEAN relations

The library guide serves as an overview of available resources for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of EU-ASEAN relations. In it you will find a selection of books and articles, databases and websites, podcasts, videos and EU publications. 

What is ASEAN?

ASEAN is an intergovernmental organisation bringing together ten Southeast Asian states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam).

ASEAN aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its members. Its biggest success in recent years has been in promoting economic integration among members. It also helped negotiate the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest free trade agreement. 

Its motto ('One Vision, One Identity, One Community') and anthem ('The ASEAN Way') epitomise the organisation’s aim for integration among the member states. 

EU-ASEAN relations

This year is the 45th anniversary of the European Economic Community establishing formal relations with ASEAN. The EU and ASEAN have been dialogue partners since 1977.

Following the 23rd EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting on 1 December 2020, the EU and ASEAN opened a new chapter in their longstanding relationship by becoming strategic partners. 

EU-ASEAN cooperation is aligned with the three pillars of the ASEAN community: political and security cooperation, economic cooperation and socio-cultural cooperation.

This post does not necessarily represent the positions, policies or opinions of the Council of the European Union or the European Council.

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