The EANGAGE Next Level EU ASEAN Think Tank Dialogue held on between November 14 and November 16 at the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Singapore, successfully built on the momentum of the inaugural "EU-ASEAN Think Tank Dialogue" project.
He event kicked off with a highly anticipated keynote address delivered by Elmar Brok, former Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Brok’s speech, “The State of Europe in 2024 and beyond,” examined Europe’s evolving global role, highlighting opportunities for closer cooperation with Southeast Asia, especially in light of shifting global dynamics.
The first workshop day began with an Introduction on “The Future of EU-ASEAN Relations Post-EU Elections” by Dr. Lay Hwee Yao, Senior Fellow at the Singapore of International Affairs, which analyzed the EU’s post-election landscape and its implications for future engagement with ASEAN countries, sparking discussions on the next steps in regional cooperation.
In the morning session, discussions and debates took place, focusing on two critical issues: “The EU’s Trade Policy in a Geoeconomic Age” by Etienne Hoera, Project Manager at Bertelsmann Foundation, and “The EU’s Instruments and Levers under Global Gateway” by Jonas Nitschke, Programme Manager at KAS MNED Brussels. These sessions addressed the EU’s trade strategy and its efforts to leverage the Global Gateway initiative for improved connectivity and infrastructure in ASEAN countries. The discussion led to a much better understanding of the scope and direction of Global Gateway that is sometimes hard to grasp.
Afterwards, EANGAGE Fellows from the region presented regional perspectives on “The Way Forward in EU-ASEAN Relations” and their assessment of the incomin ASEAN Chair Malaysia. The workshop brought to the fore a wishlist for both EU and ASEAN respectively what actions should be ideally done by the other part.
In the afternoon, the event shifted towards more interactive engagement with the three sessions:
- “Connectivity in the Indo-Pacific” focused on infrastructure development and digital connectivity.
- “Sustainability Initiatives and Climate Action” tackled climate change and sustainable development efforts.
- “Security Cooperation and Regional Stability” addressed regional security issues and the role of the EU in supporting peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
The workshops were guided by key questions, including how to revitalize networks, ideas for ongoing collaboration, and important milestones for 2025, with a focus on understanding how Southeast Asia perceives the EU and how to improve those relations.
A Special Session was held by Christian Echle, Head of Asia Pacific at KAS Berlin, who shared his perceptions on the region, highlighting the foundation’s priorities for next year (maritime security, diversification of supply chains and Global Gateway).
The day culminated with a dinner discussion situated within Singapore Botanic Gardens, where Elmar Brok shared his insights on how to bridge the Science to Policy Gap, something that the young researchers specifically demanded to learn from the former MEP.
On Day III, participants engaged in reflections and debates on the papers and reports that had been discussed during the gathering. The workshop concluded with a visit to the Singapore Sustainable City Gallery providing a real-world example of sustainable urban development, offering participants a firsthand look at how Singapore integrates sustainability into its urban planning and development strategies.
Overall, the EANGAGE Next Level gathering succeeded in strengthening the dialogue between the EU and ASEAN, offering a comprehensive platform for exchanging ideas on connectivity, sustainability, and security. The event not only provided valuable insights into the current state of EU-ASEAN relations but also laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration and deeper engagement between the two regions in the coming years.
For a more comprehensive event report please refer to our LinkedIn Page
