Keep Europe high on Korea’s agenda, says outgoing EU ambassador

Outgoing European Union Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez called for Korea to continue keeping Europe high on its diplomatic and strategic agenda, marking the 75th anniversary of Europe Day in Seoul on Friday.

Under the theme “Partnering for Peace and Security,” the day celebrated 75 years since the historic Schuman Declaration, a 1950 speech by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman that laid the groundwork for European integration by proposing a European Coal and Steel Community.

Remembering the declaration, Fernandez said the motto was to unite Europe by pooling coal and steel production to prevent future wars, support post-war recovery, and ultimately form today’s 27-member European Union.

“Whatever government is in place, do not take us for granted. Europe is a reliable partner — principled, consistent, predictable — a partner you can trust,” underlined Fernandez.

“We are not only a partner for prosperity — Korea’s third trading partner and top investor," she said.

"We are also a partner for security — to promote peace and stability worldwide through diplomacy and cooperation,” Fernandez added.

Recalling her tenure, Fernandez highlighted EU-Korea progress on digital trade agreements and cooperation on research and innovation.

“It is now time to put all these commitments into real action — the Ppali Ppali way! Let’s invest in this relationship — in its people, its culture, and its heritage," she said, urging to engage the union's 27 countries.

"Reach out to Korea,” she said, urging European countries to underline people-to-people ties and mutual trust amid global challenges such as war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo described the EU as “a visionary and consistent partner,” noting Korea-EU cooperation in diplomacy, security, and trade, and stressed that “the global community must uphold international rules and reduce harmful practices that undermine fair competition.”

“Now, it’s the responsibility of the global community to support and reinforce that voice so that we all can prosper and strengthen our economies,” said Han.

Norbert Behringer, a European resident in Korea since the 1970s, told The Korea Herald that small Korean businesses and young entrepreneurs interested in European technologies should meet people there. Taking the strength of small German companies specialized with products as an example, he said Korean companies should seek out new technologies from those "hidden champions."

“You can't rely solely on big companies like Hyundai or Samsung. Korea needs 100,000 small businesses — each with a unique product and specialized expertise,” he said, suggesting that Koreans focus on nurturing SMEs for long-term economic sustainability.

The celebration brought together a diverse group of diplomats, business leaders, Korean officials, civil society actors, and media, reaffirming the enduring strength of Korea-EU relations.