The Korea-European Union Joint Committee in Brussels on May 7 held its 21st meeting, with Niclas Kvarnstrom (left), managing director for Asia Pacific of the EU's European External Action Service, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Affairs Kim Heesang heading their respective sides. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

By Kang Gahui

The 21st meeting of the Korea-European Union (EU) Joint Committee in Brussels on May 7 agreed to bolster bilateral cooperation in digital innovation and economic security to respond to complex global crises.

The two sides stressed the importance of cooperation among likeminded countries in economic security amid the instability of global supply chains and emerging geopolitical risk, agreeing to expand policy cooperation on key issues such as supply chains for core minerals.

On EU regulations such as for steel safeguards and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, Korea urged the EU to ensure fair competition for Korean companies.

Both sides also opted for practical cooperation measures to facilitate innovation in artificial intelligence and digital technology based on Korean participation in Horizon Europe, an EU program for financial support in research and innovation, and the conclusion of a bilateral accord on digital trade.

Turning to their bilateral security and defense partnership, the two sides hailed the accord's steady implementation based on an agreement document adopted in November last year and decided to hold their first security and defense dialogue for this year.

They also discussed major regional and global security issues including the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Ukraine and the strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region.

kgh89@korea.kr