Enhancing ASEAN-EU Relations through Cultural Cooperation report
This study, ‘Enhancing ASEAN-EU Relations through Cultural Cooperation Realities and Unexplored Potential’, explores how multilateral cultural cooperation can strengthen ASEAN-EU ties, complementing the bilateral cultural cooperation already present in the two.
Highlighting the importance of multilateral cultural exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and addressing global challenges, it emphasises that culture can serve as a bridge between Southeast Asian and European societies, supporting other forms of cooperation, such as economic, strategic and geopolitical ones. Multilateral cultural initiatives offer broader, more inclusive engagement opportunities, thereby enhancing diplomatic relations, economic development and regional stability.
This research gathered data through extensive historical analysis, targeted surveys and expert interviews, ensuring a comprehensive and nuanced view. The study provides targeted recommendations for policymakers in ASEAN and the EU which focus on developing long-term cultural strategies, increasing institutional collaboration and securing core funding for sustainable projects.
This study forms part of ifa’s Research Programme ‘Culture and Foreign Policy’, in which experts address relevant issues relating to culture and foreign policy with the aim of involving academics, practitioners, policymakers, and civil society.