ABSTRACT
Asia, with more than half the world’s population and with several major countries growing rapidly, is becoming increasingly a priority for the EU. Originally relations between the EU and Asia were focused on trade and economic development, but now it is seeking to develop political relationships involving its three ‘strategic partners’ – China, India and Japan. The EU is also supporting regional integration efforts such as the ASEAN and the SAARC. Europe–Asia region-to-region meetings are conducted through the ASEM process. The EU has struggled to secure acceptance in the region as an actor. In 2010 it signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Korea, which may open the way to further FTAs with countries such as Japan.
