Vietnam and the European Union have elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, signalling closer political alignment amid global trade disruptions and rising US tariffs on exports.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong described the move as a “historical milestone” during talks in Hanoi with European Council President Antonio Costa.
The upgrade carries political weight but no binding commitments. It builds on the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement in force since 2020 and places the EU on the same diplomatic footing as the US, China and Russia.
Key developments
• More frequent high-level political engagement
• Expanded cooperation in defence, critical minerals, semiconductors, transport, and trusted communications infrastructure
• Continued dialogue despite differences on Ukraine and human rights
Costa said both sides support multilateralism, sovereignty, and the rules-based international order.
ℹ️ Reuters
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