President Lee: "Cooperation with EU for Peace on the Korean Peninsula... Requested Role in Resolving North Korean Nuclear Issue" (Comprehensive)

President Lee Jae-myung stated after the summit with the European Union (EU) on June 10 (local time) that "both sides have agreed to work closely together for peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the international community." He also announced that negotiations had begun for the conclusion of a Security of Classified Information Agreement between the two parties.

On the same day in Brussels, Belgium, President Lee said, "At today's summit, I requested the EU's unwavering support and constructive role in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula, and both sides agreed to cooperate together on these matters."

President Lee Jae-myung is greeting Antoni Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, after a joint press conference at the EU Council headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on June 10 (local time). 2026.6.11 Yonhap News Photo by Yonhap

President Lee went on to say, "Regarding the recent situation in the Middle East, both sides agreed that it is extremely important for peace and stability in the region to be restored as soon as possible, for the Strait of Hormuz to be immediately opened, and for freedom of navigation for vessels to be ensured." He also emphasized, "We reaffirmed both sides' commitment to contributing to peace and reconstruction in Ukraine."

President Lee further stated, "As uncertainty in the international order increases, security in the Indo-Pacific region and Europe is becoming ever more closely linked," and announced that negotiations to conclude the Security of Classified Information Agreement would begin. He added, "I hope that this agreement will be concluded swiftly, so that both sides can securely share sensitive information and actively promote industrial and research cooperation utilizing such information."

With regard to the economic sphere, President Lee announced the conclusion of a Digital Trade Agreement, expressing his expectation that "a stable data business environment will be established, and digital trade between the two sides will become even more active."

Korea and the EU Target Russia and North Korea in Joint Statement

President Lee Jae-myung is walking together with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the welcoming ceremony held at the European Council headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on June 10, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, President Lee held a summit with António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, during which they adopted a joint statement covering cooperation in security, economics, and climate.

This joint statement directly targeted Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and North Korea's support for it. Korea and the EU condemned third-party support that enables Russia's war, particularly North Korea's assistance, and strongly criticized the illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. They also urged Russia and North Korea to halt such activities and to comply with the United Nations Charter and UN Security Council resolutions.

The statement also included a firm stance on the North Korean nuclear issue. Both sides expressed serious concern over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and stated that North Korea must comply with its obligations as a non-nuclear-weapon state under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards agreements. They made it clear that North Korea will never be recognized as a nuclear-weapon state under the NPT, nor will it be granted any special status in this regard.

On the Korean Peninsula issue, the statement included support for the Korean government's efforts to resume dialogue. Korea and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, and complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and expressed support for expanded inter-Korean exchanges, normalization of relations, efforts to ease tensions and build trust for peaceful coexistence. The importance of improving the human rights situation in North Korea and the need to allow access for international and humanitarian organizations were also addressed.

The joint statement also included a shared position on the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East. Both sides expressed support for freedom of navigation and overflight, including in the South China Sea, and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. They also sent a message opposing unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the Indo-Pacific region. Regarding the Middle East, they highlighted the need for safe passage and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the protection of civilians, and respect for international law.

Presidential Office: "EU Regulations Must Not Become New Trade Barriers"

President Lee Jae-myung is waiting to start an expanded luncheon meeting with António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the EU Council headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on June 10, 2026 (local time). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In the economic sphere, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in supply chains, advanced technologies, energy, digital, and innovation. They announced their support for the establishment of a Korea-EU High-level Economic Dialogue to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, economic security, and industrial policy. The statement also included a commitment to guarantee a level playing field in each other's markets, based on the full implementation of the Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The issues of steel and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which drew much attention, were also discussed at the summit level. Both sides agreed to jointly address the issue of global steel overcapacity through forums such as the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity (GFSEC). They also agreed to continue close consultations on their respective legislation and policies regarding industrial policy, the circular economy, and carbon border adjustment measures for energy-intensive industries.

The Presidential Office had previously stated that it would convey its position that EU regulations such as the reduction of steel tariff quotas and CBAM, which the EU is promoting, must not serve as new trade barriers for Korean companies. While the joint statement did not include specific adjustment measures, as both sides agreed to continue consultations on related legislation and policies, the issue of easing the burden on Korean companies is expected to be a major agenda item in future working-level discussions.

Climate and environmental cooperation was also included in the statement. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation on energy transition, national greenhouse gas reduction targets, ending plastic pollution, and strengthening marine protection, building on the Korea-EU Green Partnership.

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