Vietnam and the European Union have upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam’s highest diplomatic level.
“At a moment when the international rules-based order is under threat from multiple sides, we need to stand side by side as reliable and predictable partners,” Costa said, adding that the partnership is about “developing spheres of shared prosperity.
”on Tuesday after nearly two decades of negotiation.The announcement comes less than a week afteras the country’s top leader, endorsing his vision of economic growth driven by aggressive reforms. Vietnam has been a major beneficiary of globalization, emerging as a key export hub for electronics, garments and consumer goods as multinational firms shifted production away from China. That export-led growth has helped lift incomes and transform the economy, but Vietnam’s large and persistent trade surplus has drawn criticism, particularly from the U.S. and increasingly from Europe, where officials have raised concerns about market access. For the EU, the deal strengthens access to one of Asia’s fastest-growing manufacturing hubs and supports efforts to diversify supply chains as trade tensions increase. Bilateral trade in the first 11 months of 2025 reached more than $66.8 billion, up 6.6% from a year earlier. The EU is Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner, third-largest export market and fifth-largest import source. Vietnam is the EU’s biggest trading partner in Southeast Asia.and is aggressively seeking new markets to reduce reliance on the U.S., which is its largest export destination that absorbs about 30% of the goods Vietnam sends abroad. The two sides signed a free trade agreement in 2020. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.KSAT's Erica Hernandez describes moment law enforcement deployed tear gas on protesters▶Tensions rise between protesters and law enforcement at Dilley immigration facilityVITA San Antonio offers free tax preparation for residents earning $65,000 or lessSan Antonio nonprofit drives new connections for veterans, first responders on the pickleball courtSan Antonio nonprofit drives new connections for veterans, first responders on the pickleball courtImmigration attorney says ongoing lockdown at detention facility in DilleyProtesters gather in Dilley to march to immigration detention centerUT San Antonio reopens Institute of Texan Cultures at Frost TowerProperty owner battles CPS Energy over power pole dispute: ‘Where are our rights as landowners?’East Side group receives $250,000 grant to prevent youth crime through community engagementSan Antonio councilwoman gets probation, lower charge in DWI case plea dealMan sprays unknown substance toward Rep. Ilhan OmarNASA aircraft makes belly landing at airport in Houston200+ blood donation appointments canceled, missed due to winter storm in San AntonioIs your TikTok not working properly? Here's what you should knowGov. Greg Abbott adds Bexar County to disaster declaration during winter weather▶The Texas freeze shut down a lot of regular weekend stops for neighbors, including farmers markets.🎵 KRTU is celebrating 50 years on the air with a free concert FridayNew drone footage shows empty site of former ITC building months after demolitionCheck out these space heater safety tips▶🦍 Congo Falls gorilla exhibit at San Antonio Zoo to open this weekend🔥 Feast at the hottest all-you-can-eat Asian fusion experience on San Antonio’s north side! 🥢🍣🦀🔥 Feast at the hottest all-you-can-eat Asian fusion experience on San Antonio’s north side! 🥢🍣🦀Previous photo
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Vietnam and the EU upgrade ties as Trump tariffs reshape global tradeVietnam and the European Union have upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam’s highest diplomatic level.
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Vietnam and the EU upgrade ties to a comprehensive strategic partnershipVietnam and the European Union have upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam’s highest diplomatic level. This change places the EU on the same diplomatic footing as the United States, China, and Russia. The announcement Thursday came during a visit to Hanoi by European Council President Antonio Costa.
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