EU and Vietnam Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Vietnam and the European Union have agreed to upgrade their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a major diplomatic step as both sides navigate global trade and security uncertainty.

The announcement was made during a visit to Hanoi by Antonio Costa, who was welcomed by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong. Cuong described the move as a «historic milestone» reflecting the depth of cooperation between Vietnam and Europe.

Costa said the partnership underlined the EU’s commitment to Southeast Asia and Vietnam’s growing international role, adding that «reliable and predictable partners» are increasingly vital as the rules-based global order comes under pressure.

The new status places the EU alongside China, the United States and Russia as one of Vietnam’s top-tier diplomatic partners. Trade remains the backbone of the relationship, with Vietnam now the EU’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and bilateral trade reaching €67 bn in 2024.

Beyond commerce, the agreement opens the door to deeper cooperation in areas such as supply-chain resilience, technology, critical raw materials and security, even as differences remain over human rights and Vietnam’s ties with Russia.

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