Beyond differences: ASEAN-EU Partnership

Abstract

The most recognized organizations are typically situated in the United States or Europe, with entities
like ASEAN often overlooked. Nevertheless, the European Union has significantly strengthened its
alliance with ASEAN over the past two decades, recognizing it as a crucial economic community. The
partnership primarily focuses on trade and economic advancement, proving mutually beneficial as
it has doubled within a decade. Noteworthy initiatives, including ARISE+, AFOSP, ACTS, and ATR,
have been implemented through this collaboration. In addition to these multilateral agreements, the
European Union has entered into bilateral agreements with countries like Singapore, Vietnam, and
Indonesia, anticipating substantial economic growth. Security stands as another pivotal aspect of this
partnership, marked by bold initiatives in collaboration with INTERPOL to combat both transnational
and national crimes, including efforts to curb human trafficking.