Maison de la Chimie, 28 rue Saint-Dominique, Paris, France
·ECFR Paris
The G7 and its close partners, particularly the Republic of Korea (ROK), face a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape marked by growing economic competition, technological fragmentation, and mounting security challenges. From supply chain vulnerabilities to shifting alliances and rising geopolitical tensions, these developments are testing the resilience of existing frameworks for international cooperation
Europe’s battery dependence on China is clear, but closing the gap alone will be difficult. Partnering with South Korea, the world’s second-largest manufacturer, offers a faster and more realistic route
South Koreans still regard America as an ally, but frictions in their relationship could resurface at any point. The EU and South Korea should use 2026 to deepen their own defence and economic security ties, thereby strengthening their collective resilience
At first glance, South Korea’s next president will be less Western aligned than the last, emphasising pragmatism over value-alignment. To maintain strong ties with Seoul, Europeans will need to reframe their diplomatic approach
South Koreans and Europeans agree that Russia is a threat, Ukraine needs support and that the new US administration is trouble. As Trump shakes the global security order, their shared concerns could solidify a stronger EU-South Korea partnership
The attempted imposition of martial law by President Yoon Suk-Yeol has plunged South Korea into political uncertainty. As Seoul’s immediate focus turns inward, its ability and willingness to tackle shared challenges with Europe may decline, from the war in Ukraine to Chinese economic coercion
New Japanese prime minister Ishiba Shigeru has signaled a commitment to continuing his predecessor’s outreach to South Korea. Europe should seize the moment to tackle shared challenges with both countries
A recent thaw in ties between the EU’s two most important partners in East Asia is a potential game-changer for a region fraught with geopolitical danger – but complex domestic politics in both countries may yet derail a truly long-lasting rapprochement
Europe’s battery dependence on China is clear, but closing the gap alone will be difficult. Partnering with South Korea, the world’s second-largest manufacturer, offers a faster and more realistic route
South Koreans still regard America as an ally, but frictions in their relationship could resurface at any point. The EU and South Korea should use 2026 to deepen their own defence and economic security ties, thereby strengthening their collective resilience
At first glance, South Korea’s next president will be less Western aligned than the last, emphasising pragmatism over value-alignment. To maintain strong ties with Seoul, Europeans will need to reframe their diplomatic approach
South Koreans and Europeans agree that Russia is a threat, Ukraine needs support and that the new US administration is trouble. As Trump shakes the global security order, their shared concerns could solidify a stronger EU-South Korea partnership
The attempted imposition of martial law by President Yoon Suk-Yeol has plunged South Korea into political uncertainty. As Seoul’s immediate focus turns inward, its ability and willingness to tackle shared challenges with Europe may decline, from the war in Ukraine to Chinese economic coercion
New Japanese prime minister Ishiba Shigeru has signaled a commitment to continuing his predecessor’s outreach to South Korea. Europe should seize the moment to tackle shared challenges with both countries
A recent thaw in ties between the EU’s two most important partners in East Asia is a potential game-changer for a region fraught with geopolitical danger – but complex domestic politics in both countries may yet derail a truly long-lasting rapprochement
Maison de la Chimie, 28 rue Saint-Dominique, Paris, France
·ECFR Paris
The G7 and its close partners, particularly the Republic of Korea (ROK), face a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape marked by growing economic competition, technological fragmentation, and mounting security challenges. From supply chain vulnerabilities to shifting alliances and rising geopolitical tensions, these developments are testing the resilience of existing frameworks for international cooperation
Alexander Lipke on the aftermath of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declaration of martial law
Occupied with its domestic political crisis, South Korea will have limited resources to focus on foreign issues, with any increase in support for Ukraine now much less likely
