EU, South Korea expand security, defence links

The EU and the Republic of Korea formalised a comprehensive Security and Defence Partnership in Seoul, on Monday, 4 November, days after North Korea (DPRK) sent some 10,000 troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine.

Strengthening dialogue, co-operation

Acknowledging the growing threat of cyber and hybrid warfare, the EU and Korea will increase cooperation in cyber threat assessment, response coordination, and multilateral engagement. Both parties also agreed to counter misinformation and enhance resilience against hybrid threats through academic collaborations and diplomatic responses.

The partnership also establishes annual dialogues on bilateral security initiatives at ministerial and director-general levels, on shared security challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, crisis management, peacekeeping, and resilience of critical infrastructure.

The parties also intend to increase maritime security cooperation, especially in the Indian Ocean, to safeguard sea routes and uphold international navigation laws.

EU, Korean foreign policy chiefs issue joint condemnation of North Korea

In a joint statement addressing North Korea’s sending some 10,000 troops to help Russia in Ukraine, the EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell and Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said 

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) continued unlawful arms transfers to the Russian Federation for its use in attacking Ukraine and the deployment of DPRK special forces to Russia, supporting Russia’s unlawful war of aggression. 

“This constitutes a serious breach of international law, including the most fundamental principles of the UN Charter. Such cooperation between the DPRK and Russia is not only in flagrant violation of multiple UNSC resolutions, but it also prolongs the suffering of the Ukrainian people and threatens the security of the world, including that of the Republic of Korea and Europe.

“We take note that the security of the Indo-Pacific and European regions are more closely intertwined than ever, and commit ourselves to closely monitoring the situation and actively pursuing necessary measures together with the international community,” the statement added.

Broader areas of co-operation: non-proliferation, space, women’s peace, security

The partnership also commits to joint efforts in arms control, disarmament, and countering North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, and will undergo regular review to ensure continued adaptation to global security needs.

Cooperation in space security, counterterrorism, and human trafficking will further enhance regional and global security, and both parties emphasised integrating gender equality in peace and security initiatives, aligning with the UN’s women, peace, and security agenda.