Joint Press Announcement after Korea-EU Summit
President Lee: "We will share sensitive information and actively promote industry-academia cooperation"
Establishing legal basis to prevent smuggling of drugs, firearms, etc.
[Brussels = Edaily Reporter Kim Yoo-sung] President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a tour of Europe, held talks on the 10th with the European Commission President, the President of the European Council, and other EU leaders. The two sides agreed to strengthen Korea-EU cooperation in areas such as security and defense, digital trade, passenger name record (PNR) data transfer, and future industries.
On the 10th (local time), President Lee said in a joint press statement after the Korea-EU summit, "We reaffirmed our will to further develop bilateral relations," and "We had in-depth discussions on specific cooperation measures."
President Lee cited security and defense cooperation, the conclusion of a digital trade agreement, the signing of a Passenger Name Record (PNR) agreement, and expanded future industry cooperation as key outcomes of the summit. Accordingly, the two sides decided to launch negotiations on a Korea-EU Confidential Information Protection Agreement. President Lee said, "I hope that the Confidential Information Protection Agreement will be signed soon so that both sides can safely share sensitive information and actively pursue industrial and research cooperation using it."
In the digital field, the Korea-EU Digital Trade Agreement was concluded. President Lee said, "A stable data business environment will be established, and digital trade between the two sides will be further activated."
The two sides also reached a Passenger Name Record (PNR) agreement. Amid the recent increase in smuggling of illegal items such as drugs and firearms through international travelers, a legal basis has been established for Korean customs authorities to obtain passenger reservation data from EU-flagged airlines.
Cooperation in future industries was also expanded. In particular, they agreed to strengthen cooperation for carbon neutrality and energy transition, and to expand joint research and researcher exchanges in the fields of artificial intelligence and quantum technology. President Lee said, "I believe this will greatly contribute to enhancing innovation capabilities and competitiveness in future industries."
They also reaffirmed their willingness to cooperate on the Korean Peninsula and international affairs. President Lee said, "I asked for the European Union's unwavering support and constructive role in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula, and both sides agreed to work together."
Regarding the situation in the Middle East, they shared the view that the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East, the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the guarantee of free navigation for ships are important. They also reaffirmed their willingness to contribute to the restoration of peace and reconstruction in Ukraine.
President Lee said, "It was a more meaningful time because we were able to produce practical results that will help the lives of the people of both sides," and said, "I hope that President Costa and President von der Leyen will visit Korea soon, and I hope to see you again in Korea next time."
