Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles. Photo: An Dang/VNA
Recapping his meetings with Vietnamese leaders on July 30, Mr. Borrell Fontelles expressed his belief that the visit would initiate the process of upgrading Vietnam-EU relations in the future.
The Vice President of the EC and High Representative of the EU emphasized that Vietnam has the most agreements with the EU in ASEAN, such as the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation between Vietnam and the EU (PCA), the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the EU (EVFTA), and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). Vietnam and the EU currently have multiple levels of cooperation and partnerships.
According to Mr. Borrell Fontelles, the current bilateral cooperation does not match the depth of the relationship in reality.
In response to a question from the press regarding the progress of the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), the Vice President of the EC and High Representative of the EU stated that EVIPA includes investment protection and dispute settlement, requiring the approval of the European Parliament and the parliaments of the member states to come into force. Currently, 18 out of 27 EU countries have ratified EVIPA, while nine member states have yet to do so: Ireland, Austria, Poland, Belgium, Germany, France, Cyprus, the Netherlands, and Slovenia.
“We are urging these countries to expedite the process of considering the ratification of EVIPA for their investments. This is in the interest of both the EU member states and Vietnam. When investors have security and reduced risks, they will be more willing to invest,” said Mr. Borrell Fontelles.
One of the issues that attracted the attention of the press at the meeting was the timing of the EC’s removal of the “yellow card” for Vietnam’s seafood exports, based on recognizing Vietnam’s efforts and achievements in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
On this matter, Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles stated that on October 23, 2017, the EC officially issued a “yellow card” warning to Vietnam regarding IUU fishing. To remove the “yellow card,” Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles emphasized that both the EU and Vietnam need to exert efforts to ensure sustainable fisheries resources, prosperous and sustainable fishing communities, and industries in the future.
The EU has had effective discussions and worked with Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on measures such as installing vessel monitoring systems on fishing vessels. The current task is to ensure the effective implementation of these measures in relevant localities.
“We expect to receive a report from Vietnam’s relevant agencies this autumn. Based on the results of this report, we will organize an inspection delegation to Vietnam to assess the IUU situation and consider whether the “yellow card” can be lifted,” said Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles.
