[Meeting the Ambassador to Korea] "The EU Is a Reliable Partner for Korea... A Win-Win for Both Countries"

Maria Castillo Fernandez, EU Ambassador to Korea
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"The European Union (EU) is a predictable and trustworthy partner for Korea. We strive to implement agreements and keep our promises. In today's world, these qualities are crucial."

Maria Castillo Fernandez, EU Ambassador to Korea, shared these remarks in an interview with Asia Economy at the EU Delegation to Korea in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Maria Castillo Fernandez, EU Ambassador to Korea, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the Seoul office. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Recently, concerns have been raised that a trade war could erupt as the United States announced high tariffs, described as a "tariff bomb." There is growing speculation that protectionist policies could intensify not only in trade with the US but also globally.

Ambassador Fernandez stated, "(The EU) is open to negotiations with the United States. We have been communicating with the US on various matters even before the announcement." She added, "We will make efforts to defend European values and interests, and we are preparing countermeasures for this purpose. It is also necessary to strengthen bilateral relations with partner countries, including Korea."

She emphasized the long-standing relationship of over 60 years between the EU and Korea and noted their shared support for a rules-based international order. Ambassador Fernandez said, "Stability, predictability, and respect for norms are important in business. Europe and Korea are making significant efforts to protect the World Trade Organization (WTO), which symbolizes the global trade system." She continued, "It has been 14 years since the EU and Korea signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Through this, both countries have achieved a win-win outcome. At the time of the FTA signing in 2011, the trade volume was 63 billion euros (approximately 102 trillion won), but by 2023, it had soared to 130 billion euros (about 210 trillion won)."

Korea holds great significance for Ambassador Fernandez. As she prepares to conclude her second posting in Korea this year, she reflected, "Korea was the first country where I began my overseas career, and it is also the last. I feel I have come full circle and finished well in my career."

Having spent a total of nine years in Korea, she has developed a deep affection for Korean culture. Ambassador Fernandez has experienced pottery-making in Icheon and, saying "When in Korea, you should do as Koreans do," she has visited jjimjilbangs and public baths with Korean friends, even trying body scrubbing. She is particularly interested in Korean temples and is known for visiting temples whenever she travels to different regions. She has been to more temples, such as Jingwansa, Tongdosa, and Baegyangsa, than most Koreans. She often recommends temple stays to those around her, saying, "Staying at a temple allows you to better understand Korea, its people, and its culture." The following is a Q&A.

Maria Castillo Fernandez, EU Ambassador to Korea, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the Seoul office. Photo by Jo Yongjun

-In which areas are Korea and the EU cooperating well, and which areas should they focus on going forward?

▲Korea was the first country in Asia to sign three major agreements with the EU: economic, political, and crisis management. In addition, to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023, three new partnerships were established in the fields of digital, green, and health. Last year, agreements in security and defense were also signed, further expanding bilateral cooperation. These partnerships have opened up new channels for collaboration.

Another important area is scientific innovation. Korea will become an associate member of Horizon Europe, the EU's large-scale research and innovation project. I expect scientific innovation between Korea and Europe to be further promoted. Given that maritime security, cyber threats, hybrid threats, counterterrorism, and foreign information interference and manipulation have become significant threats to both Korea and Europe, I believe cooperation in security and defense should also be expanded. We should also facilitate increased business cooperation and strengthen people-to-people exchanges. As the EU Ambassador to Korea, I believe I have contributed to fostering even closer ties between Korea and the EU. Korea and Europe need to further strengthen cooperation in the face of new challenges.

-Although Korea and the EU are geographically distant, they have maintained a long-standing relationship. What similarities do you see?

▲I believe there are many commonalities. The EU and Korea both value democracy, human rights, a rules-based international order, and multilateralism. We work together to uphold and defend the principles advocated by the United Nations (UN) framework.

Korea has developed significantly both politically and economically, and is now in a position to defend these values internationally. As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Korea maintains a close cooperative relationship with the EU. I hope Korea will continue to raise its voice and defend universal values alongside the EU.

-You have worked in fields related to the Korean Peninsula for a long time. Does the EU consider the Korean Peninsula important?

▲Absolutely, it is important. European security and Asian security are not separate issues. As you may know, North Korean soldiers, ammunition, and missiles have been found on the battlefield in Ukraine. Because North Korea is providing significant support to Russia, this has created a gap on the battlefield. I believe the interconnection between European and Asian security has become even stronger.

-With the recent trend of rearmament in Europe, do you think cooperation between Korean defense companies and the EU could expand? Could this present new opportunities?

▲The important point is that the EU started as a peace project. Therefore, the EU has long worked to maintain peace and prosperity on the European continent. Peace and security go hand in hand. There can only be peace if security is ensured. Due to the war waged by Russia in Ukraine, Europe is also at risk. The EU is now in a position where it must take responsibility for its own security.

The EU has published a white paper on strengthening the defense sector. Massive funding is required. For this, funds are being allocated from each member state's budget, and the EU has also set aside a separate budget. The fund is expected to reach around 150 billion euros (about 244 trillion won), and it will be managed through the Support Act for Facilitating European Defense (SAFE), which aims to strengthen the European defense industry base. Countries that have signed defense and security partnerships with the EU can participate in this program. In Asia, Korea and Japan are among the possible participants.

-As you mark your fifth year as Ambassador to Korea, what are your reflections? How has Korea changed since your first posting here 20 years ago?

▲(In Korean) Busy. Quickly, quickly. My second five-year posting here has been extremely busy, and time has flown by. When I first arrived, the COVID-19 pandemic had not yet ended, and there were many crises due to COVID-19. The war in Ukraine broke out, and martial law was declared. Many things happened. However, I am pleased that these five years have also produced tangible results in Korea-EU bilateral relations. During this period, four new partnerships were signed, and Horizon Europe achieved meaningful outcomes. I have prepared this package so that my successor can fully implement it.

Today, Korea is more ready than ever to open itself to the world. The country has transformed into one that can uphold international values, norms, and order. Compared to when I first arrived, Korea has become a country that values creativity much more and offers many opportunities to young people. This changed environment seems to have contributed to the development of Korean culture.

Korea appears to have made great efforts to preserve its cultural heritage. In the past, many hanok houses in Bukchon were in disrepair, making tourism difficult, but after restoration work, many tourists now visit. Green spaces have also increased. I left Korea in 2008 and remember the long preparations for the opening of Cheonggyecheon. There were no walking trails on Namsan before, but now they are beautifully developed.

Another notable change is that work-life balance has become much more established than before. Many parents now enjoy weekends with their families. The proportion of working women has also increased gradually. I try to network with women in science, media, and business. I believe women's social and economic participation is important.