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Statement of the Chair following the 11th EU–Republic of Korea Summit held on 10 June 2026 in Brussels
On behalf of the Delegation for Relations with the Korean Peninsula, I welcome the holding of the 11th EU-Republic of Korea Summit in Brussels on 10 June 2026. The outcomes of the Summit demonstrate that the Strategic Partnership between the EU and the Republic of Korea delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
The signature of the Digital Trade Partnership, which will be scrutinised by the European Parliament under the consent procedure, can stimulate innovation-driven growth. The agreement to launch a new High-Level Economic Dialogue and a new High-Level Energy Dialogue will deepen our cooperation in these increasingly strategic areas. The establishment of an EU-Republic of Korea Competitiveness Partnership will contribute to economic resilience and competitiveness. The strengthening of the Security and Defence Partnership, including the exploration of a Security of Information Agreement, will facilitate closer cooperation on security- and defence-related matters at a time when geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific and Europe are becoming increasingly interconnected.
The Summit took place shortly after the visit of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with the Korean Peninsula to Seoul in May 2026, which highlighted the strategic importance of the EU-Republic of Korea Strategic Partnership. The visit demonstrated that we need to work more closely to ensure that the well-established Free Trade Agreement works for our mutual benefit, as well as to adapt our cooperation to the challenges of the current international economic and geopolitical environment. With the DPRK continuing to support Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, we also need to continue engaging on the significant and interconnected security challenges we face.
The exchanges held during the visit with Members of the National Assembly, government representatives, civil society, academia and businesses confirmed that the EU and the Republic of Korea, united by common values, share an interest in deepening their Strategic Partnership in a complex geopolitical environment. The 11th EU-Republic of Korea Summit is a milestone in this regard.
European Parliament's Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula concludes visit to Seoul
The Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula (DKOR) concluded its official visit to Seoul, which took place from 27 to 29 May 2026 in the context of the 24th inter-parliamentary meeting.
The 11 Member delegation, led by the DKOR Chair MEP César LUENA (S&D, Spain) held a productive inter-parliamentary exchange with the Members of the National Assembly, including the Deputy Speaker Mr Hack Young LEE. The Delegation was also received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Hyun CHO, the Minister of Unification, Mr Dong-young CHUNG, and the Minister of Trade, Mr Yeo Han-koo YEO. Members also meet with Second Vice-Minister for Climate, Mr Ho-hyun LEE. The DKOR delegation had the opportunity to exchange with think tanks, academia, NGOs, and UN representatives. Discussions with European businesses operating in South Korea also took place, as well as a visit to a Korean enterprise. The programme of the delegation also included a visit to the DMZ.
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DKOR: Statement of the Chair following the official association of the Republic of Korea to the Horizon Europe programme
18 July 2025
Statement of the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula, MEP César LUENA, following the official association of the Republic of Korea to the Horizon Europe programme:
"I wholeheartedly welcome the official association of the Republic of Korea to the EU's Horizon Europe programme.
The Republic of Korea is the first Asian country to participate in the EU's flagship programme for research and innovation. With the association to Horizon Europe, the strategic partnership between the EU and the Republic of Korea is more comprehensive and stronger than ever.
European and South Korean researchers have now the opportunity to work hand in hand in tackling global challenges, such as the digital transition, climate change or health related issues. They will contribute in this manner to preparing our societies and economies for tomorrow's world, but also to reinforcing the ties between both regions."
DKOR: Statement of the Chair following the 3rd June presidential elections
The Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula, MEP César LUENA, made the following statement:
Following the elections held on the 3rd of June 2025, I would like to congratulate the Republic of Korea, its newly elected President and its citizens. In a time when democratic values are under threat worldwide, the citizens of the Republic of Korea have proven over the past months their firm attachment to democracy. The engagement in defence of their vibrant democracy and high voter turnout are a sign of hope for the world.
I am confident that in the next months the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Korea will benefit from a new impetus. In a challenging global context, increased cooperation and stronger relations between the European Union and the Republic of Korea will positively contribute to the prosperity and security of citizens on both sides. The Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula stands ready to contribute to the further strengthening of the relations through parliamentary diplomacy.
Statement on the conclusion of the negotiations EU-ROK on a Digital Trade Agreement
Brussels, 11 March 2025
The Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula made the following statement:
"I welcome the conclusion of the negotiations between the European Union and the Republic of Korea on a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA).
The Agreement, which complements the EU-Korea Digital Partnership and the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement, aims to strengthen digital trade in services and goods. It will contribute to ensuring that trade between the two partners is fit for the fast evolving digital economy. The DTA has the potential of further reinforcing the strong ties between the economies and societies of the EU and the Republic of Korea, two like-minded strategic partners. The European Parliament will scrutinize and vote on the EU - Republic of Korea DTA in the coming months."
Statement of the DKOR Chair on the recent developments in the Republic of Korea
The Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula (DKOR) follows with great concern the developments in the Republic of Korea, after the declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol of the emergency martial law on Tuesday 3rd December and the vote of the National Assembly demanding the lifting of the decree.
The EU-ROK strategic partnership, to which the EP is firmly committed, is built on the values of democracy, rule of law and the respect of fundamental rights and freedoms. In this context, DKOR remains confident that the situation in the Republic of Korea will be peacefully resolved, in full respect of the democratic values.
Statement on the increasing military cooperation between DPRK and Russia
"The increasing military cooperation between DPRK and Russia, including the reported deployment of troops in support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, are deeply alarming. It constitutes a clear break of the United Nations Charter, a violation of its Security Council resolutions and a grave escalation in the conflict, unveiling how closely intertwined are the security of Europe and of the Korean Peninsula.
In this context, the need for increased EU-RoK cooperation is of strategic relevance when soaring geopolitical tensions, increasing technological risks and accelerating climate change pose threats to both parties.
It is essential for DPRK to cease all actions that endanger international peace and security, including the intercontinental ballistic missile launch of the 31 of October 2024, which DKOR strongly condemns."
5 November 2024