Page 61 - EU_ASEN Relations: Perspectives From Malaysia

Conclusion and Perspectives

by Patrick Ziegenhain

2017 marks the 40th anniversary of the formal cooperation between the EU
and ASEAN. In the previous chapters, this text provided an academic overview

of the most important issues (economic, political, socio-cultural, and higher

education) of the EU-ASEAN relations—with a specific view on Malaysia. In
this summary, you will find a short conclusion combined with a look to the

future of the EU-ASEAN relations.
The economic relations between ASEAN and the EU have been well

developed. ASEAN has become the EU’s third largest trading partner whilst
the EU is now ASEAN’s second largest partner after China apart from being

the region’s biggest investor. Despite this close trade relationship, a region-to-

region free trade agreement does not yet exist. Therefore, the re-launch of the
negotiations in March 2017 at the annual EU-ASEAN ministerial consultations

in Manila marked a crucial improvement of the trade relations between the two
regional organisations. The EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia

Malmström stated at this occasion: "I am glad to see that both sides are now
ready to seize the momentum and start preparations towards re-launching these

negotiations. This is a significant and timely initiative, and it shows that the

EU and ASEAN are committed to take the lead together on regional and global
trade. The EU remains strongly committed to advancing a positive global trade

agenda in which all sides are winners" (European Commission 2017).

In terms of political and security cooperation, the relationship between the EU
and ASEAN remains far less developed than in trade and economic matters.

Despite the Paper of the European Commission from 2015 which foresees a
strategic partnership between the EU and ASEAN, the EU’s foreign and

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