Vietnam Strengthens EU Relations to Match Ties with Major Global Powers

Vietnam has enhanced its diplomatic relations with the European Union, establishing a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' that places the EU alongside China, the United States, and Russia among Vietnam's foremost international alliances. This development reflects both sides' intentions to secure their positions in a rapidly evolving global trade and security landscape.

In Hanoi, the new partnership was formally announced during high-level discussions between European and Vietnamese officials. Vietnamese leadership highlighted the agreement as a significant step forward in the two regions' cooperation, while EU representatives emphasized Vietnam's increasing importance in regional and international affairs.

The European Union, represented by the European Council, reiterated its commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, underlining shared objectives and the mutual benefits of closer collaboration. Over the past several decades, EU-Vietnam relations have advanced considerably, particularly in economic sectors. Vietnam now stands as the EU's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with trade volumes rising by approximately 50% from 2019 to 2024, reaching EUR67 billion. Early figures for 2025 indicate continued growth, with an 8.4% year-on-year increase in total trade.

Despite this progress, the EU's formal elevation of its relationship comes after similar moves by China, Russia, the United States, and other strategic partners such as Japan and Singapore. Vietnam's strategy of diversifying its international partnerships is designed to avoid overdependence on any single power and to maintain diplomatic balance. The United States remains Vietnam's primary export market, China is a vital economic and political partner, and Russia continues to supply essential defense equipment.

Experts note that the EU's upgraded partnership status is not only symbolic but also opens opportunities for deeper dialogue and broader cooperation. This includes advancing joint projects in areas such as critical raw materials, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, transport, and secure communications infrastructure. Both parties also plan to focus on supply chain resilience, security, and defense collaboration.

However, the growing partnership faces challenges related to political differences. Human rights organizations and labor experts have raised concerns over Vietnam's restrictions on independent trade unions and freedom of expression, issues that have been highlighted since the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement in 2020. Despite official commitments, the Vietnamese government has yet to allow genuinely independent union activities and has increased its suppression of dissent in recent years.

Another area of contention is Vietnam's position on Russia, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine. While the EU and Vietnam have expressed agreement on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, their perspectives on Russia's actions in Europe differ. Vietnam continues to prioritize its relationship with Russia, including potential agreements on nuclear energy, despite EU concerns.

Vietnam has pursued what it terms 'bamboo diplomacy' since 2016, a strategy characterized by flexibility and non-alignment. This approach has enabled the country to expand its economic and diplomatic reach while avoiding entanglement in major power rivalries, whether in Asia or Europe. The new partnership with the EU is a significant advancement for both parties, yet it is unlikely to alter Vietnam's longstanding policy of maintaining balanced and independent relations with global powers.