First EU/Korea Forum

On the occasion of the first EU/South Korea Forum organised in Brussels on 18th September 2012 the Chairman of the Robert Schuman Foundation, Jean-Dominique Giuliani brought together a delegation of thirty guests over dinner. The latter had come from South Korea and joined European guests from European chancelleries, MEPs, the Commission, as well as both European and Korea industrialists. Guest of honour, Pierre Vimont, Executive Secretary General of the "European External Action Service" (EEAS), stressed the importance of this forum in terms of assessing the impact of the free trade agreement between the two entities and also regarding the promotion of research cooperation, culture and trade, likewise its role in encouraging sustained diplomatic exchange on major world issues. On 19th September 2012 the Robert Schuman Foundation in partnership with the Korea Foundation and the Yonsei University organised the first EU/Korea Forum. Two hundred participants attended four round tables. The first of these highlighted joint determination to take a stance over the challenge presented by North Korea and the need for a sustained diplomatic partnership. The second round table gave European Commissioner Karel de Gucht the opportunity to defend the positive results that have ensued from the free trade agreement signed in 2011. Research and development, cultural and university cooperation were addressed by the European Commission representatives as well as Korean scientists. Access to markets and intellectual property were the focus of debate; discussions then concentrated on world economic issues within the context of the G20 and on the preponderant role that the EU and Korea should play. Joseph Daul, President of the leading European political party concluded the day hoping that this forum might be repeated again in the future. Link to the speech by the European Commissioner for International Trade