South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s special envoy has met with top European Union officials this week, reaffirming Seoul’s commitment to strengthening ties with Brussels. The envoy highlighted South Korea’s intention to bolster cooperation on technology, climate change, and efforts to foster peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Former Environment Minister Yoon Yeo-joon, appointed by President Lee as his special envoy to the European Union, met with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Christel Schaldemose, Vice President of the European Parliament, during his visit to Brussels. The meetings underscored South Korea’s intention to enhance its partnership with Europe as part of Lee’s broader foreign policy strategy.

Yoon personally delivered a letter from President Lee to Costa, conveying Seoul’s desire to work more closely with Europe on shared challenges, including resuming inter-Korean dialogue and reducing military tensions. The envoy emphasized that cooperation with Europe is key to South Korea’s efforts to establish peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Focus on Technology, Climate Change, and Security

Discussions centered on expanding cooperation in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, and tackling climate change—areas identified as strategic priorities for both Seoul and Brussels. The leaders also agreed on the need to intensify parliamentary exchanges to further deepen their strategic partnership.

EU leaders expressed optimism about holding an early summit with South Korea to further discuss these goals. President Costa welcomed the opportunity to strengthen cooperation in various fields and highlighted the importance of Europe’s relations with key Indo-Pacific partners like South Korea.

Building Toward Peace and Stability

The South Korean delegation outlined Lee’s pragmatic foreign policy, which focuses on balancing security concerns with opportunities for dialogue, particularly with North Korea. Officials in Seoul see closer ties with Europe as part of a broader diplomatic push to position South Korea as a proactive global player in addressing security and economic challenges.

The meetings in Brussels reflect a shared commitment to advancing cooperation in areas beyond security, extending into technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and democratic values.