The European Union and the Republic of Korea agreed to launch a Competitiveness Partnership and signed a Digital Trade Agreement during their 11th summit in Brussels on 10 June 2026, according to a joint statement published by the European External Action Service on 11 June 2026. The leaders also endorsed a new High-Level Economic Dialogue and agreed to work towards negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate the exchange of classified information.
The summit, hosted by European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, produced a 25-point joint statement covering trade, security, technology, and geopolitical issues. The Competitiveness Partnership aims to enhance economic resilience and competitiveness in a structured manner, while the Digital Trade Agreement is described as a landmark achievement that will strengthen the Digital Partnership and foster innovation-driven growth. The newly established High-Level Economic Dialogue will deepen cooperation on economic security, trade, and industrial policy.
On security and defence, the leaders welcomed the first steps in implementing their Security and Defence Partnership, emphasising maritime security, including freedom of navigation and protection of critical undersea infrastructure. They condemned Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and expressed grave concern over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, reaffirming commitment to the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. The statement also addressed the Middle East, the South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, calling for de-escalation and respect for international law.
In the technology domain, the leaders agreed to pursue a Cooperation Arrangement on Artificial Intelligence, recognising the importance of AI safety and governance. They welcomed the reinforcement of the Digital Partnership and the first collaborative research projects under the 2025 agreement associating South Korea to Horizon Europe. The statement also committed to addressing non-tariff barriers for agri-food products and continuing efforts on responsible business conduct and labour issues.
The summit marks a significant deepening of EU-ROK relations across multiple domains, with concrete new mechanisms established. The Competitiveness Partnership and Digital Trade Agreement are expected to boost bilateral trade and investment, while the Security of Information Agreement negotiations signal closer defence cooperation. The joint statement reflects shared concerns over geopolitical stability and a commitment to multilateralism and rules-based order.
European and South Korean businesses in digital, tech, and agri-food sectors stand to benefit from reduced barriers and enhanced cooperation. Defence industries may see new opportunities from closer security ties. Consumers could gain from expanded trade in agri-food products. However, the emphasis on economic security and supply chain diversification may impose adjustment costs on firms reliant on existing supply chains. The agreement on AI governance may create regulatory alignment costs for tech companies but also provide a clearer framework for innovation.