The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 Member States. Together, they have built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development whilst maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. With the help of over 140 diplomatic representations around the world, the EU cooperates closely with its Member States to promote the values and interests of the EU and establish networks and partnerships, promoting multilateral-based solutions to common challenges. The EU is the largest

trade block in the world, as well as the world’s main source and the top global destination of foreign direct investment.

In 2012, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for advancing the causes of peace,

reconciliation, democracy and human rights.

The 27 EU Member States are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark,

Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,

Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

The European Union Delegation to Singapore opened on 30 June 2004 and thus celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Since then, the EU’s diplomatic representation has worked to promote closer ties between the EU and Singapore. The wide-ranging relationship has further strengthened and expanded in its scope over the years. In close coordination with the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States, the Delegation ensures consistency and effectiveness of the EU’s external action in Singapore.

With 27 countries, nearly 450 million people and the largest GDP in the world, the EU is of increasing importance to Singapore, especially since the entry into force of the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) on 21 st November 2019, and the elevation of its relationship with ASEAN to a Strategic Partnership in December 2020.

The Delegation’s activities cover a range of issues such as foreign policy, security, trade, climate

change, environment, transport, industrial policy, research, science, technology as well as innovative education and cultural projects.

On 1st February 2023, the EU-Singapore Digital Partnership was signed in Brussels. This Partnership expands the robust EU-Singapore relationship into the digital realm, which has a transformative potential for the future of our economies. The Digital Partnership builds on long-standing cooperation between the EU and Singapore on trade, research and technology. It will also serve as a strategic pathfinder for closer region-to-region digital connectivity. On the same occasion, Digital Trade Principles, a key deliverable of the Digital Partnership, were signed as well. The Principles seek to facilitate the free flow of goods and services in the digital economy, while upholding privacy.

On 20th July 2023, EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and Singapore’s Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong announced the launch of the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) negotiations. The DTA aims to enhance the economic partnership and is underpinned by the 2019 EUSFTA.

Follow the EU Ambassador to Singapore Iwona Piórko on Twitter: @IwonaPiorkoEU

Connect with us: X, Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin

Web: www.europe.sg

The European Film Festival (EUFF) 2024 is supported by the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI). FPI puts EU foreign policy into actions, builds alliances, and leverages the EU’s partnerships around the world. In Southeast Asia, the FPI regional team works with EU Delegations’ to advance people to people exchanges, build mutual understanding, based on European key principles and sustainable policies.

Link: Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI)