The European Union and the Republic of Korea held their 11th Summit in Brussels on 10 June 2026, announcing a new Competitiveness Partnership and signing a Digital Trade Agreement, among other outcomes. The summit, led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, produced a joint statement covering trade, security, climate, and geopolitical issues.
The Competitiveness Partnership aims to enhance competitiveness and economic resilience in a structured manner, while the newly established High-Level Economic Dialogue will deepen cooperation on economic security, trade, and industrial policy. The Digital Trade Agreement, described as a landmark achievement, is intended to strengthen the existing Digital Partnership and foster innovation-driven growth.
On security and defence, the leaders welcomed first steps in implementing their Security and Defence Partnership, agreed to work towards launching negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate exchange of classified information, and pledged stronger cooperation on cyber and hybrid threats, maritime security, and space security. They also condemned Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and expressed grave concern over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The summit also saw agreement to explore South Korea's possible association to the next EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme, launch a High-Level Energy Dialogue, and conclude a Cooperation Arrangement on Artificial Intelligence. Both sides reaffirmed commitments to climate goals, including the 1.5°C target, and to concluding a global plastics treaty.
The joint statement covered 36 points, including support for Ukraine's recovery, opposition to unilateral changes in the Indo-Pacific, and continued cooperation on supply chain resilience, data protection, and people-to-people exchanges.