The European Union and the association of Southeast Asian nations: Synergies and challenges in the interregional cooperation

Abstract

The European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been cooperating for more than 40 years now. In 2015, both organizations expressed their desire to raise interregional dialogue to a more strategic level, with the aim of extending it not only to issues of regional interest, but also to matters of global dimension. For ASEAN, the EU's support and experience are particularly valuable in channeling its integration process towards a strong and cohesive ASEAN Community, which aims to consolidate the economic and social prosperity of its members, as well as the political stability in East Asia. For the EU, commitment and cooperation with ASEAN contribute to its own economic and security interests in Asia, while also strengthening its presence and visibility in the region. In the short and medium term, however, both sides must overcome their own internal constraints and the difficulties encountered in the mutual relationship, if they actually wish to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of their cooperation and thus strengthen the ASEAN process and its central role in the changing economic and geopolitical architecture of Asia.