Key Facts
• June 26, 2025: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized free trade preservation.
• EU aims to strengthen ties with CPTPP, led by Japan, excluding the U.S.
• Von der Leyen called CPTPP the “most attractive and interesting option.”
• EU seeks structural cooperation with Asia to counter protectionism.
• High tariffs under the Trump administration prompted EU’s pivot to Asia.
• EU has consulted with New Zealand and Singapore on CPTPP collaboration.
• Sweden and other EU members proposed EU’s CPTPP membership.
• Discussions occurred after the EU summit in Brussels.
Summary
The European Union (EU) is prioritizing free trade preservation by strengthening ties with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), led by Japan. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted CPTPP as the “most attractive option” during a press conference following the EU summit in Brussels on June 26, 2025. This move comes as the EU seeks to counter protectionism, particularly in response to high tariffs under the Trump administration, by fostering structural cooperation with Asia. The EU has already engaged in discussions with CPTPP members like New Zealand and Singapore, with some EU nations, including Sweden, proposing EU membership in the trade pact. The initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to global free trade and its strategic pivot toward Asia.
