By UN Journal Kayla Lee

Director-General for International Security Youn Jong-kwon held a meeting with Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defense of the European External Action Service (EEAS), to exchange views on ways to expand ROK-EU security cooperation on March 11.

Building upon the agreement to strengthen security partnership reached at the 2023 summit and in line with the ROK-EU Security and Defense Partnership document adopted in November 2024, the two sides agreed on seeking to hold an ROK-EU Security and Defense Dialogue in Seoul in the first half of this year.

During this dialogue, the two sides will not only cover the current scope of cooperation including the defense industry and security situation assessments, but also seek to expand the range of security discussions to encompass hybrid threats, critical infrastructure and other emerging security challenges.

In the meeting, the two sides reviewed key agenda items concerning the ROK-EU Security and Defense Partnership, including ▴disarmament and non-proliferation ▴cybersecurity ▴critical infrastructure and ▴maritime security. Recognizing the growing impact of cyber threats on international security, both sides shared the view on holding an ROK-EU Cyber Policy Consultation at an early date and continuing cooperation in responding to evolving cyber threats.

This meeting took place in the context of increasing security linkages between the Indo-Pacific region and Europe, particularly amid the Ukraine war and deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea of late.

As the year 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the ROK-EU strategic partnership, this meeting is seen to have served as an opportunity to reaffirm the need for closer security cooperation and further materialize ways to enhance substantive cooperation between the two sides on key security issues.