Hanoi (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) 30 January 2026
– Vietnam and the European Union elevated their relationship to a comprehensive
strategic partnership during European Council President António Costa's visit
to Hanoi. The upgrade, Vietnam's highest diplomatic level, aligns the EU with
major partners including the US, China, and Russia. Leaders committed to
enhanced cooperation across trade, security, digital transformation, and
climate action amid global supply chain pressures.
The joint statement emphasises multilateralism and a
rules-based international order. Bilateral trade reached €57 billion in 2025,
with the partnership targeting further growth.
Announcement During Costa's Official Hanoi Visit
European Council President António Costa met Vietnamese
President Lương Cường and other senior leaders on 29 January 2026. The joint
declaration marked 35 years of diplomatic relations established in 1990,
upgrading from the 2012 strategic partnership framework.
Costa stated the elevation captures "the depth and
breadth of our collaboration" in trade, green transition, security, and
people-to-people ties. Vietnamese President Lương Cường described it as a
"historic milestone" reflecting mutual respect and shared interests.
The EU becomes Vietnam's 15th comprehensive strategic
partner, following agreements with Japan, India, and Australia. Annual summits
and biannual ministerial meetings form the new institutional structure.
Strategic Expert Highlights Global Disruptions Context
Asia security specialist Dr Huong Le Thu noted the timing
amid international challenges.
Dr Huong LE THU said in X post,
“#Vietnam #EU upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic partnership amidst the global disruptions.”
The upgrade responds to US tariff threats under PresidentTrump and China's export controls on critical minerals. Vietnam positions
itself as a manufacturing alternative, with EU firms expanding electronics and
textile production.
Key Pillars of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Framework
Cooperation spans 12 working groups covering digital
economy, energy transition, and defence dialogue. Trade targets €100 billion
annually by 2030 through enhanced EVFTA implementation, which eliminated 99 per
cent tariffs.
Security dialogue addresses South China Sea maritime
security and supply chain resilience. The EU pledged €2 billion development aid
via Global Gateway, funding infrastructure and renewables targeting 47 per cent
clean energy by 2030.
Digital priorities include 5G connectivity, AI governance,
semiconductor supply chains, and data protection standards alignment. Both
reaffirm UNCLOS and freedom of navigation principles.
Economic Trade Statistics and Investment Trends
Bilateral trade hit $66.8 billion in January-November 2025,
up 6.6 per cent year-on-year. Vietnam exports textiles, electronics, and
footwear to EU markets; imports machinery and chemicals.
EU FDI stock totals €25 billion across 1,500 projects
employing 300,000. Netherlands leads with €6 billion, followed by Germany (€4
billion) and France (€3 billion). Samsung and Intel expanded facilities.
EVFTA saved Vietnamese exporters €2.3 billion in duties since 2020. Protected geographical indications cover 235 Vietnamese products alongside 169 EU designations like Prosciutto di Parma.
Historical Development of EU-Vietnam Relations Timeline
Diplomatic relations began 1990; partnership agreement signed 2012. EVFTA entered force 2020, boosting trade 18 per cent annually. EVIPA investment court resolved 15 disputes since 2021.
Post-COVID vaccine diplomacy deepened health ties. Vietnam
increased EU LNG imports 300 per cent amid Russia-Ukraine war. Both abstained
from certain UN votes while expanding economic links.
Vietnam hosts EU-ASEAN maritime dialogues, positioning as
Indo-Pacific bridge. Global Gateway invested €3 billion in 50 projects
including metro lines and hospitals serving 10 million.
Security and Geopolitical Cooperation Areas
Annual strategic dialogue launches Q2 2026 covering Myanmar
crisis, North Korea sanctions, and counter-terrorism. Vietnam joined EU ARISS
satellite tracking for maritime domain awareness.
Defence attaches exchanged credentials, enabling frigate
port visits. Both condemn Red Sea Houthi attacks affecting 20 per cent of
Vietnam's EU exports. Counter-disinformation targets deepfakes.
Humanitarian coordination activates for Mekong Delta
disasters impacting 20 million. Joint UNCLOS advocacy counters unilateral maritime
claims.
Development Aid and Climate Commitments Specified
€500 million Just Energy Transition supplement funds solar,
wind, offshore projects. Vietnam ratified EU Deforestation Regulation for
coffee, rubber exports. Net-zero pledge targets 2050.
Team Europe Initiative supports climate adaptation.
Scholarship programme sends 2,000 students yearly to EU universities. Vaccine
hub produces 200 million ASEAN doses annually.
Blue economy develops aquaculture, marine biotech. Circular
economy recycles 85 per cent plastics by 2030. Forest conservation maintains
14.8 million hectares.
Digital Economy and Infrastructure Initiatives
Digital masterplan covers rural 4G/5G, data centres. Mutual
green bond recognition facilitates ESG investments. Airbus expands Hanoi
assembly for 32 A321neo deliveries yearly by 2028.
Critical minerals corridor secures lithium, cobalt supplies.
Space cooperation explores earth observation satellites. Academic exchanges
target 10,000 researchers.
EU Gateway facilitated 500 B2B matches since 2023.
Vietnamese firms pledged €10 billion EU investment in batteries, solar
manufacturing.
Regional Multilateral Engagement Alignment
Partnership aligns ASEAN Indo-Pacific Outlook with EU Global Gateway. Vietnam co-chairs ASEAN-EU Film Festival reaching 5 million. Quad Plus framework includes both parties.
Myanmar aid channels reach 1.5 million displaced. WTO reform
commitments counter US withdrawal threats. Both support rules-based trade
order.
Domestic Political and Public Support Levels
Vietnamese National Assembly ratified unanimously 28
January. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính emphasised diversification success.
European Parliament approved 95-12 resolution.
Eurobarometer shows 65 per cent Europeans view Vietnam positively; 72 per cent Vietnamese favour EU ties. Business councils unite 300 EU, 200 Vietnamese firms.
Implementation and Monitoring Mechanisms Detail
Joint committee convenes semi-annually rotating
Brussels-Hanoi. Trade ministry hotline resolves disputes within 30 days.
Parliamentary friendship groups expanded to 50 members.
50 KPIs track progress across pillars. Mid-term review set 2028 before 2030 summit. First leaders' summit scheduled Hanoi October 2026 coinciding APEC.