"Korea-EU to Launch 'Key Dialogue Channel' for Supply Chain Stability"

Ugo Astuto, EU Ambassador to Korea
Holds First Official Press Conference Since Taking Office

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Korea, who took office last October, announced that the Korean government and the EU are preparing to launch a "key dialogue channel" to ensure supply chain stability.

Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to Korea, is answering reporters' questions at his first press conference held at 3 p.m. on the 30th at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Seongah Shim

Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to Korea, held his first press conference since taking office at 3 p.m. on the 30th at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. He stated, "Supply chain issues have become more important than ever," and announced the upcoming launch of the "Korea-EU key dialogue channel." This dialogue channel is expected to serve as an official platform for discussions on cooperation between Korea and EU countries to secure supply chain stability.

Ambassador Astuto said, "The first meeting is expected to be held soon," adding, "Through regular dialogues and sharing of best practices, Korea and the EU are working together to reduce dependence on specific countries and diversify supply chain channels."

He further explained, "Because supply chains are a broad issue, the first dialogue will not be limited to just two or three specific items, but will take a comprehensive approach. Although it is difficult to discuss concrete details at this stage, both Korea and the EU are paying close attention, and this will be an opportunity to address supply chain issues in great depth."

Ambassador Astuto emphasized that this dialogue channel is separate from the second Korea-EU Strategic Dialogue held on the 22nd in Brussels between Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

Regarding the defense industry, he said, "With the threat from Russia becoming more tangible and imminent, there is a strong sense within the EU that it must strengthen its own defense capabilities. In line with calls to increase defense budgets, various systems and policies have been implemented." He added, "In particular, Korean companies have been engaging with individual EU member states regarding weapons development, which has led to positive outcomes."

On Arctic and Greenland policy, Ambassador Astuto stated, "A new report is being prepared within the EU, which will reflect changes in the environment, while maintaining three key priorities that have always been important." He identified these as: ▲ protecting the fragile Arctic environment, ▲ maintaining peace in the Arctic, and ▲ ensuring that the rights of indigenous peoples and citizens of Arctic countries are respected.

He also said, "Since military activities related to the Arctic have been detected in Russia, we intend to approach this with a strategic perspective. We are preparing a package to maintain Arctic security and will pursue partnerships with countries such as the United States, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Norway, and Iceland." He added, "The Korean government is also well aware of the EU's three-pronged approach, and within this framework, dialogue with Korea will be possible."

Additionally, he said, "The Korea-EU digital trade agreement is now in its final stages. Based on mutual trust, Korea and the EU will be able to exchange data freely."

Finally, Ambassador Astuto said, "North Korea is dispatching troops to support Russia in the war in Ukraine and, in return, is receiving political and financial support. This demonstrates that the security of the Indo-Pacific and Europe are interconnected." He added, "The EU and Korea must work together for the global common good."

Ambassador Astuto, an Italian national and official EU diplomat, joined the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1991, served at the EU External Action Service in 2013, as Deputy Director-General for Asia at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2019, and as Ambassador to India and Bhutan, before being appointed as EU Ambassador to Korea last year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.