Publication

This brief offers insights into the EU's involvement in the growing number of political, economic or security oriented regional institutions in Asia. The author argues that despite much criticism, the hybrid regional architecture developing in Asia is playing an important role by sustaining dialogue and confidence-building in the region. The EU should therefore enhance its overall participation in these institutions to convince its Asian partners of its commitment to the region. Furthermore, the EU should not just focus on joining the East Asia Summit but also invest in the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) framework and better define its objectives.