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Korea Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Keep Europe high on Korea's agenda, says outgoing EU ambassador
Outgoing European Union Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez called for Korea to continue keeping Europe high on its diplomatic and strategic agenda, marking the 75th anniversary of Europe Day in Seoul on Friday. Under the theme 'Partnering for Peace and Security,' the day celebrated 75 years since the historic Schuman Declaration, a 1950 speech by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman that laid the groundwork for European integration by proposing a European Coal and Steel Community. Remembering the declaration, Fernandez said the motto was to unite Europe by pooling coal and steel production to prevent future wars, support post-war recovery, and ultimately form today's 27-member European Union. 'Whatever government is in place, do not take us for granted. Europe is a reliable partner — principled, consistent, predictable — a partner you can trust,' underlined Fernandez. 'We are not only a partner for prosperity — Korea's third trading partner and top investor," she said. "We are also a partner for security — to promote peace and stability worldwide through diplomacy and cooperation,' Fernandez added. Recalling her tenure, Fernandez highlighted EU-Korea progress on digital trade agreements and cooperation on research and innovation. 'It is now time to put all these commitments into real action — the Ppali Ppali way! Let's invest in this relationship — in its people, its culture, and its heritage," she said, urging to engage the union's 27 countries. "Reach out to Korea,' she said, urging European countries to underline people-to-people ties and mutual trust amid global challenges such as war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo described the EU as 'a visionary and consistent partner,' noting Korea-EU cooperation in diplomacy, security, and trade, and stressed that 'the global community must uphold international rules and reduce harmful practices that undermine fair competition.' 'Now, it's the responsibility of the global community to support and reinforce that voice so that we all can prosper and strengthen our economies,' said Han. Norbert Behringer, a European resident in Korea since the 1970s, told The Korea Herald that small Korean businesses and young entrepreneurs interested in European technologies should meet people there. Taking the strength of small German companies specialized with products as an example, he said Korean companies should seek out new technologies from those "hidden champions." 'You can't rely solely on big companies like Hyundai or Samsung. Korea needs 100,000 small businesses — each with a unique product and specialized expertise,' he said, suggesting that Koreans focus on nurturing SMEs for long-term economic sustainability. The celebration brought together a diverse group of diplomats, business leaders, Korean officials, civil society actors, and media, reaffirming the enduring strength of Korea-EU relations. sanjaykumar@
Korea Herald
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
EU spotlights women's roles in security, defense
In an event commemorating International Women's Day Saturday, the European Union delegation to Korea highlighted women's roles in security and defense. Hosting an event under the theme 'Towards More Resilient and Secure Democracies: Women in Security and Defense,' experts from South Korea and the EU highlighted the role of gender-responsive policies in strengthening democratic stability and resilience. Moderated by Estonian Ambassador to Korea Sten Schwede, the event referenced EU-ROK Security and Defense partnership signed in November 2024. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. Under Frameworks 38 and 39 of the agreement, EU and South Korea pledge to implement the Women, Peace and Security Action agenda, integrating gender equality into security cooperation, and exchange best practices to enhance joint responses to geopolitical challenges. Aligned with the principles of United Nations Security Council Resolution or UNSCR 1325, the delegation reaffirmed commitment to integrating gender equality into its Common Security and Defense Policy. Adopted on 31 October 2000, UNSCR 1325 calls for increased women's participation in peace and security efforts and urges measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence in conflict. According to the EU delegation office, the year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the resolution's adoption, and the EU continues to promote gender-responsive security policies and women's participation in crisis management and peacebuilding efforts through its WPS action plan. The plan sets participation and gender mainstreaming ― the integration of gender equality into policies, programs and services ― as well as leadership, prevention, protection and relief and recovery as six key objectives. Delivering remarks ahead of the event, Maria Castillo Fernandez, EU ambassador to Korea, underscored the importance of gender-responsive policies in security and defense. Gender-responsive policies address the different needs and priorities of all people regardless of their sex. 'Ensuring women's full participation in security and defense decision-making is not just a matter of representation — it is a matter of strategic necessity," said Fernandez. She emphasized that inclusive democracies require all voices, noting that gender-responsive policies boost effectiveness, trust in institutions and sustainable peace. 'Women bring unique perspectives and solutions to conflict resolution, peacebuilding and crisis management,' said the ambassador, advocating for amplifying inclusive, equitable and capable solutions to address evolving security challenges of the present. Meanwhile, the event also highlighted Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia and the Indo-Pacific (ESIWA+), by examining challenges, successes and opportunities in advancing women's participation in these fields. ESIWA+ is an EU project that aims to enhance EU security and defense cooperation in counterterrorism, crisis management, cybersecurity and maritime security. The project is co-funded by the European Commission, the German Federal Foreign Office and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. sanjaykumar@
