This policy brief argues that EU–China narrative contestation should not be understood as a direct, symmetrical competition between two equivalent geopolitical actors. While both China and the EU seek to shape global understandings of order, governance, development, and security, they do so from fundamentally different institutional and political positions. China’s strategic narratives are more centralised… Continue reading Embracing asymmetry: Narrative contestation between the EU and China
Key takeaway: The current geopolitical and geoeconomic environment, along with overlapping strategic interests of the EU and ASEAN, creates strong opportunities to deepen Europe–Southeast Asia relations across the board. Established EU–ASEAN cooperation mechanisms provide a solid platform for smaller EU members to advance ties with ASEAN and individual Southeast Asian countries. To stand out, however,… Continue reading 2027 and beyond: Advancing EU and Slovak relations with Southeast Asia
Key takeaways: In May 2026, ASEAN concluded negotiations on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), with expected signing in November 2026 during the ASEAN Summit. As ASEAN’s digital economy is expected to grow from less than US$400 billion in 2022 to US$2 trillion by 2030, the DEFA will reshape the conditions under which European firms… Continue reading Preparing for DEFA: A European strategy for ASEAN’s digital market
Key takeaways: ASEAN should be a priority partner for the EU in establishing a “strategic partnership on semiconductors” as envisioned by the proposed Chips Act 2.0. The EU and ASEAN should focus on high-value-added investment, mutually beneficial R&D partnerships, cooperation on certification, development of raw materials projects, and workforce development to build synergies in semiconductor… Continue reading Chips that connect: EU–ASEAN cooperation in a fragmented world
Key takeaways: The global map of public attraction has shifted dramatically. Over the past few years, the US’ global image has deteriorated sharply, weakening in the process also the broader international appeal of “the West.” This does not mean that publics everywhere have become anti-Western or pro-China, but it does mean that the EU can… Continue reading China’s global appeal is changing. The EU needs to rethink its public diplomacy
