In an interview marking the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union and Vietnam, EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier emphasized that the partnership is built on “trust, shared values, and a strong commitment to progress.”

His comments reflect a three-decade trajectory that began with humanitarian efforts in the early 1990s  -  including the resettlement of over 100,000 Vietnamese boat people  -  and has evolved into one of the EU’s most comprehensive and strategically significant partnerships in Asia today.

Ambassador Guerrier noted that the EU seeks to “cooperate with Vietnam in a more ambitious future, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples and contributing to global peace, stability, and prosperity.”

This 35-year journey mirrors Vietnam’s transformation, the EU’s strategic pivot to the Indo-Pacific, and the political and economic trust that now underpins a relationship ready for its next leap.

EVFTA: The economic foundation of trust

Over the past decade, the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has become the cornerstone of bilateral economic cooperation. Coming into force amid the COVID-19 global slowdown, the agreement has helped bilateral trade surge by about 40% to €65 billion. EU FDI in Vietnam also grew from €22 billion to more than €30 billion, solidifying Vietnam as the EU’s largest trading partner in ASEAN and its 16th largest globally.

Ambassador Guerrier called EVFTA “a core legal framework” that boosts confidence in Vietnam’s market stability and transparency. It has encouraged reforms in procedures, licensing, and regulatory predictability  -  all of which are priorities for European businesses.

Despite years of trade surpluses favoring Vietnam, the EU has chosen not to impose balancing tariffs. Instead, a high-level working group was established to monitor market access and ensure the full, fair, and predictable implementation of the EVFTA.

The energy transition: A new frontier for cooperation

On climate, the EU and Vietnam share the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Guerrier revealed that the EU is mobilizing unprecedented resources for Vietnam: €142 million in budget support for the green energy transition, more than €100 million in grants for climate adaptation, and up to €4 billion in preferential loans through blended finance mechanisms from European development banks.

Key projects like the Bac Ai pumped storage hydropower plant, Tri An hydropower, and nearshore wind in Tra Vinh demonstrate the EU’s deep commitment to helping Vietnam restructure its energy sector.

This is essential to ensure Vietnamese exports meet the EU’s tightening environmental standards in the years ahead.

Beyond EVFTA and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), Ambassador Guerrier identified the Global Gateway strategy as “a new pillar” of EU–Vietnam cooperation for the next decade. This initiative will focus on investment in clean energy infrastructure, transport (especially rail and high-speed lines), and digital infrastructure, including 5G and advanced tech.

This structural capital investment lays the groundwork for Vietnam’s strategic modernization  -  a prerequisite for achieving its goal of becoming a developed country by 2045.

A multifaceted partnership

Despite geographical distance, the EU has direct interests in the South China Sea, through which 40% of its imports and 25% of its exports pass. Guerrier reaffirmed the EU’s strong support for a rules-based international order and UNCLOS, and praised Vietnam’s role as a stable regional partner.

The 2019 Framework Participation Agreement  -  the EU’s first with an ASEAN country  -  marked a major step in defense cooperation. The EU now provides training to Vietnamese peacekeepers, while Vietnam sends officers to EU missions. This reflects the maturity of the bilateral relationship.

Beyond trade and energy, EU assistance reaches deeper levels of Vietnam’s development: institutions, legal reform, governance, and human capital. Currently, over €300 million in EU grants are being deployed, with an additional €160 million planned by 2027 to support legal reform, governance capacity, and an inclusive green transition.

Though less visible, these forms of aid have lasting impact  -  they build the foundation for sustainable growth in an increasingly open economy.

In education and research, Erasmus and Horizon Europe programs connect students, experts, and scientists, shifting EU–Vietnam ties from government-to-government to people-to-people. This is a vital step toward a resilient, long-term strategic relationship.

The yellow card on IUU fishing: A test of enforcement

Ambassador Guerrier acknowledged Vietnam’s “overhaul” of its legal framework to meet international standards against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, but stressed that enforcement remains the key challenge. This includes managing vessels over 15 meters, improving vessel monitoring systems, and strengthening data and penalties.

The Prime Minister’s directive requiring coastal provinces and ministries to submit regular reports to Brussels has been well received by the EU.

Resolving the yellow card is not just a compliance issue  -  it is also a test of Vietnam’s ability to deliver on commitments under next-generation trade agreements.

Toward a comprehensive strategic partnership

The most anticipated milestone in 2025 is the elevation of EU–Vietnam ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Guerrier described this as a “future-proof framework”  -  deep enough to remain relevant for decades. Once in place, new priority areas like semiconductors, high-tech innovation, and strategic raw materials will come to the fore.

The 35-year journey of EU–Vietnam cooperation is one of maturity: from humanitarian aid, to development, to robust trade and defense collaboration  -  and now, toward a strategic partnership.

It is a path built on trust, converging interests, and shared aspirations.

As Ambassador Guerrier noted, this anniversary is not just a moment to reflect on the past, but a point to define a shared vision for the future  -  a rule-based, reform-driven, sustainable, and resilient partnership for an unpredictable but opportunity-rich world.

Tu Giang