Brussels, 1-5 June 2026 — Last week, EuroCham Cambodia’s Executive Director, Mr. Martin Brisson, led the ASEAN-track sessions at the EBO Worldwide Network’s annual Brussels meeting from 1–5 June, engaging on behalf of the European business community in Cambodia with the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Directorate-General for Trade (DG Trade), and the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA).
In a meeting with Ms. Leila Fernandez-Stembridge, Head of the South-East Asia Division at the EEAS, discussions focused on preparations for the 50th anniversary of ASEAN–EU relations in 2027. EEAS officials indicated that the ASEAN–EU Commemorative Summit is expected to consider an upgrade of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting the growing importance of cooperation between the two regions. Discussions also touched on the possibility of organising an ASEAN–EU Business Summit in Singapore alongside the commemorative events, creating a platform for deeper engagement between policymakers and the private sector.
In discussions with Mr. Alessandro Tonoli of DG Trade, EuroCham Cambodia received an update on key changes introduced under the EU’s new GSP regulation, which will enter into force in February 2027. Officials explained that the revised framework expands the number of international conventions relevant to GSP+ eligibility from 27 to 32, adding new requirements on human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, and good governance, while replacing the Kyoto Protocol with the Paris Agreement. The delegation also noted the introduction of additional safeguard provisions, including for rice imports.
Marking the 25th anniversary of the Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme, the European Commission is preparing an outreach campaign with beneficiary countries and will launch a new GSP Hub platform to help businesses navigate EU preferential trade arrangements.
In discussions with Mr. Christophe Kiener, Head of Unit at DG Trade, the delegation received an update on the EU’s trade agenda in Southeast Asia. Officials highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen economic integration between the EU and ASEAN, including progress on bilateral trade agreements negotiations with Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines after concluding FTAs with Indonesia and Vietnam.
The delegation was also briefed on the EU’s ongoing work towards finalising the ASEAN-EU Digital Trade Principles (DTP), inspired by principles already reflected in the EU–Singapore Digital Trade Agreement. The initiative aims to promote common standards for digital trade across the region, including trusted data flows, data governance and privacy, security and interoperability.
In discussions with DG INTPA, the delegation received an update on the implementation of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy in Southeast Asia. Officials highlighted priority areas including energy and green transition, sustainable and digital connectivity, climate finance, education and skills development, and health systems resilience.
The delegation also heard about recent progress under Global Gateway, including the advancement of major initiatives such as the Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Indonesia and Vietnam, as well as support for regional projects including the ASEAN Power Grid.
The Brussels meetings also marked a leadership transition within the EBOWN ASEAN Cluster, with Mr. Martin Brisson formally handing over the role of ASEAN Cluster Coordinator to Ms. Eva Vincetic, Executive Director of EuroCham Singapore, after successfully serving in the position for the past 2 years.
