European Union: European Union and Vietnam adopted joint statement on upgrading relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

On 29 January 2026, the European Union (EU) and Vietnam adopted a joint statement upgrading relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership including cybersecurity commitments. Through the joint statement, the parties affirmed the existing agreements and cooperation mechanisms between the parties, including the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation and the Free Trade Agreement, and affirmed their commitments to strengthen political and economic cooperation. Cybersecurity is one of the stated priorities of the parties, who target enhanced security cooperation and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, aim to combat transnational organised crime, including cybercrime, money laundering, and economic crimes such as trade fraud, and aim to make efforts to complete internal procedures regarding the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime. The partnership also identifies data protection as a priority area for future strategic research. More generally, both parties committed to cooperation focusing on infrastructure connectivity and the digital economy. Areas for potential future cooperation include 5G and satellite connectivity, semiconductor supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital trust services. Furthermore, the parties stated that the partnership would involve exchanging information on telecommunications management, 5G, artificial intelligence, data and digital governance, safe and secure digital connections, and supply chain security.