[Interview] Korea and Germany Need to Redefine Ties... "Korea-EU FTA Needs to Be Updated"

Marie Antonia von Schoenburg, Head of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry
"Need to Uphold Rules-Based Cooperation
Korea and Germany Are Ideal Partners to Set an Example
Joint Efforts Needed in Automotive and Energy Sectors"

South Korea and Germany have found themselves at a new starting line, just about a month apart. On May 6, Friedrich Merz was inaugurated as Chancellor of Germany following an election. On June 4, Lee Jaemyung was inaugurated as President of South Korea, marking a change in leadership. With 142 years of diplomatic relations, the two countries have reached a point where they need to redefine their relationship. Amid global market instability triggered by U.S. tariff policies and the resulting turmoil, there is a growing call within South Korea's business community for the two countries to join hands.

Marie Antonia von Schoenburg, the representative of the German Chamber of Commerce in Korea, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Marie Antonia von Schoenburg, the representative of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI), took office at the end of March, assuming the important role of serving as a bridge between the two countries. In an interview at the KGCCI headquarters in Hyoja-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, she discussed the possibilities and directions for cooperation. Von Schoenburg stated, "There is an increasing need to update and advance the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Korea and the European Union (EU) to keep pace with the changing times." It has been ten years since the Korea-EU FTA was fully implemented in December 2015, making it an appropriate time to consider changes. Von Schoenburg believes that, as Germany holds the position of the largest economy and a key exporter within the EU, strengthening the Korea-EU relationship through FTA revisions will naturally lead to enhanced cooperation between Korea and Germany.

Marie Antonia von Schoenburg, Representative of the German Chamber of Commerce in Korea, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Von Schoenburg particularly emphasized, "A new version of the Korea-EU FTA could serve as a symbolic measure, demonstrating both sides' shared commitment to a rules-based order." She explained that this could become an important milestone in the global market, where order is being disregarded and undermined due to trade conflicts and regulatory changes. Von Schoenburg stressed, "The need to uphold rules-based cooperation, including tariffs, is becoming more pronounced, and Korea and Germany are the ideal partners to set an example in this regard." She added, "Since taking office, Chancellor Merz has made the revitalization of the German economy his top priority and sees Korea as an important partner for economic recovery and sustainable growth."

She identified automobiles and energy as the fields in which Korea and Germany should most actively pursue cooperation. Germany is home to globally renowned automobile companies, which account for 30% of the German economy. As the mobility market undergoes a rapid transformation toward hydrogen and electric vehicles, German automakers are considering their next steps, and collaboration with Korea could provide a breakthrough. Von Schoenburg said, "The automotive and electronics industries are clear examples of sectors where the two countries have strong potential for synergy. Korea's rapid innovation and flexibility, combined with Germany's deep expertise in industrial technology, make for an ideal combination to develop solutions for the future." She also noted that cooperation could be prominent in the energy sector. Von Schoenburg explained that Germany's recent focus on energy transition, the renaming of the 'Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs' to the 'Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy,' and the appointment of Katharina Reiche, who has made significant contributions in the energy field, as the minister, are major decisions that will increase the potential for cooperation with Korea. She expressed her expectation that "joint projects between the two countries will become even more active in various fields such as renewable energy, digital technology, and advanced manufacturing," and she is confident that this will lay the foundation for a solid, future-oriented partnership.

Marie Antonia von Schoenburg, the representative of the German Chamber of Commerce in Korea, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Born in Stuttgart, Germany, von Schoenburg studied business administration at the University of Passau in Germany and international marketing at the National University of Ireland in Dublin. She is an expert with over 20 years of experience in international business, corporate relations, and chamber of commerce operations. Since 2000, she has served as corporate relations officer and deputy director at the German Chamber of Commerce in Spain, headed the Barcelona branch in 2011, and was appointed as the representative of the German Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka in 2022, contributing to economic cooperation between Germany and local companies. She also completed an MBA program at The Power Business School.

Von Schoenburg said, "During the approximately two months since taking office, I have clearly felt the potential for further growth in Korea-Germany economic cooperation," adding, "I will do my best to ensure that KGCCI becomes a reliable partner." KGCCI plans to organize key events where Korea and Germany can explore cooperation in detail. In December, it will host the 'Korea-Germany Energy Day' in Seoul, and in the second half of next year, the 'Asia-Pacific German Business Conference' will also take place in Seoul. Major leaders from both countries' political and economic sectors are expected to attend these conferences. From Germany, Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katharina Reiche has confirmed her attendance, and Chancellor Merz is also considering a visit to Korea.