European Union–Republic of Korea Cooperation on Economic Security: Opportunities, Limits and Challenges

This piece is a revised version of a paper presented at the conference on “New Convergences in EU-ROK Economic Security Relations”, organised in Rome on 30 January 2024 by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI).

In a context of heated great power rivalry and geopolitical tensions, security concerns now tend to prevail over considerations of economic efficiency. This change in context is particularly challenging for the European Union, first because of the potential differences in security perceptions across its member states, and secondly because its economic model has been based on an open, intervention-free economy. As a result, the EU’s economic security strategy places a heavier emphasis on protecting its economy than on promoting its competitiveness through industrial policy-like measures. But the strategy also relies on partnering with other countries, with South Korea as an ideal partner due to the existing mechanisms already in place between the two countries to address economic security-related issues.
Table of content
Introduction
1. The rise of economic security concerns
1.1 The discontent with globalisation
1.2 Defining economic security
2. The EU and economic security
2.1 The need for a paradigm shift in the EU
2.2 The EU’s economic security strategy: Derisking as a priority
2.3 The instruments of EU’s economic security strategy
3. Scope for cooperation on economic security
3.1 General considerations on the challenges of bilateral cooperation
3.2 The way forward
References
>>> Read the article on the Instituto Affari Internazionali's website.
Available in:
Regions and themes
ISBN / ISSN
Share
Related centers and programs
Discover our other research centers and programsFind out more
Discover all our analysesUnlocking India’s Energy Transition: Addressing Grid Flexibility Challenges and Solutions
India is rapidly scaling up its renewable energy (RE) capacity, adding 15–20 GW annually, but the ambitious goal of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 is at risk unless the pace accelerates.
The China-Russia Partnership and the Ukraine War: Aligned but not allied
China and Russia maintain a strategic partnership rooted in shared opposition to the U.S. and liberal democracies, but their relationship is shaped more by pragmatism than trust.
Technical Standards, Soft Connectivity and China’s Belt and Road: Towards greater convergence or fragmentation?
As the intensification of geopolitical competition points toward increased global fragmentation, the definition of technical standards for future markets and industries will play an important role in determining just how deep the fissures will run.
India’s Quest for Economic Emancipation from China
In October 2024, the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a thaw in relations between the two Asian powers. Has India's high level of economic dependence on China played an important role in bringing about this diplomatic shift?