EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday at a summit meeting of the EU countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that the money will strengthen the economy and independence of ASEAN countries, create jobs and promote the common fight against climate change (ASEAN). in Brussels. Specifically, investment should be made, for example, in expanding digital infrastructure and power grids.
“If we want to connect our growth regions, we must improve our economy, our clean energy, our digital infrastructure from wind farms to solar power plants,” said von der Leyen.
The Commission President assured that the EU will continue to press on the project of a free trade agreement with the Asean association. “I think we should seize the opportunity now,” said von der Leyen. Negotiations on the EU-Asia trade deal have not progressed and have been paused in the past.
The meeting in Brussels was organized to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the EU and ASEAN. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations currently includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. But the Myanmar leadership is not invited after the military coup in 2021.
(SDA)