The EU and South Korea concluded their summit on 10 June 2026 with a joint declaration committing to enhanced cooperation on critical raw materials, cybersecurity, and a new digital partnership agreement. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised deepening the strategic partnership, particularly in green technologies and supply chain resilience.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted joint responses to global challenges including climate change and digital transformation. Divergences emerged over trade imbalances and market access, with some EU member states pushing for reciprocal access in the Korean market, especially in the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors. The summit was a non-Council event, the first EU-Republic of Korea Summit in several years. Next steps include a follow-up meeting of the EU-Korea Trade Committee in September 2026. Affected stakeholders include European and Korean businesses in tech, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, as well as consumers benefiting from increased market access. The summit's outcomes are expected to boost bilateral trade and investment, though unresolved market access issues may continue to strain relations.