By Yoon Sojung and Kim Hyelin
Photos = Lee Jun Young
Video = Lee Jun Young and Park Daejin
"Cooperation based on the Korea-EU green partnership"
This what European Union (EU) Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez said when asked where cooperation between the EU and Korea is headed.
"Korea is pushing a lot toward the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 through its local communities, cities, provinces and regions" she said. "At the bilateral level, both sides need to extend such cooperation and bring all stakeholders into it."
The Spaniard is a living witness to such collaboration. She said she still clearly remembers how fierce working-level negotiations for the bilateral free trade agreement were during her first diplomatic assignment in Korea from 2005-08.
In 2021, she returned Seoul to take up her post and prepared a new phase of deeper Korea-EU ties in May last year, when both sides held summit talks in Seoul to mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations.
Recalling her long diplomatic journey, the diplomat displayed her affection for the country, where she served her first overseas assignment and will conclude her career, throughout the interview.
The following are excerpts from a Dec. 16 interview with Ambassador Castillo-Fernandez at her embassy in Seoul’s Jung-gu District.
EU Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo-Fernandez on Dec. 16 explains the development of Korea-EU relations at her embassy in Seoul's Jung-gu District.
How do would you evaluate Korea-EU relations and what do you consider the major results of bilateral cooperation?
Our relations are very strong and our ties are very close and robust. The EU and Korea are very strong partners in the Indo-Pacific region. A key outcome of bilateral cooperation is the EU-Korea Framework Agreement signed in 2010, when both sides agreed on cooperation in three areas: economy, politics and security. The next year, the Korea-EU free trade agreement took effect, and trade volume has since grown 6% every year.
In May last year, both sides held summit talks in Seoul to mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship. We also agreed to reinforce this strategic partnership under the Indo Pacific framework and launched the three partnerships in three sectors: green, digital and security. I think this lays the foundation for us coming together in the coming years.
Amid the growing importance of cooperation in climate change response, the EU delegation in Seoul recently hosted a seminar on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). What do you think of Korea's efforts to achieve its NDC goals and the direction of bilateral cooperation in this mission?
All countries that signed the Paris Agreement strive to achieve their NDC goals, but we need to do more. Korea has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 from 2018 levels. We also have the Korea-EU green partnership to work together in this area, covering plastic pollution, biodiversity, waste management, energy and offshore wind power. For plastic pollution, we need to find a solution as soon as possible.
I was in Busan earlier this month to attend the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) that handled this issue. I know Korea is pushing a lot toward the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 by local communities, cities, provinces and regions. We need to expand such cooperation and bring all stakeholders into it.
On energy, I believe Korea needs to increase its proportion of renewable energies. Earlier this month, I visited Gangwon-do Province (State) with other European ambassadors in Seoul to witness Korea's efforts in that sector. The visit included Gangwon Wind Farm. This is the nation's first wind farm, which provides electric power to Gangneung and vicinity. This is where Korean and European companies collaborate. I think it's in Korea's best interest to do this and also important for energy security.
North Korea's military cooperation with Russia has further complicated the war in Ukraine. What is the EU's stance on this and its planned cooperation with South Korea?
North Korea has supported Russia with ammunition and military (troops) along with Iran and China through dual use instruments. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is an illegal war of aggression because it violates the United Nations Charter of Territorial Integrity of Sovereignty. So it's very important to help Ukraine all we can because we want to help it win the war.
In November, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell held talks with the minister of national defense in Seoul. They agreed to strengthen their partnership in defense and security and agreed to work closely together to block military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Given Hallyu's (Korean Wave) rising popularity in Europe, Korean food has created more opportunities for cooperation as well as K-pop and K-dramas. How will the EU raise collaboration in culture with Korea?
There's enormous interest in Korean dramas, music and culture in European countries. Cultural diplomacy is very important for us. We host an annual European film festival in Korea as a window to the Continent's values, ways of life, and issues in immigration, family and society.
I also love Korean dramas like "Crash Landing on You" and "Hometown Cha Cha Cha," which shows romance and the scenery of the Korean countryside. Among films, l like "Past Lives" because it's about a reunion of first love, something I've experienced in my life. Unlike the movie, my story saw a happy ending. (Laughter)
What message do you have for Korea.net readers on the future of bilateral cooperation and ties?
Europe needs Korea and Korea needs Europe. We need Korea as a strong partner to speak out on and defend multilateralism, a rule-based international order, human rights and democracy. We need a strong Korea by our side and this means strengthening cooperation and exchange in all areas.
EU Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo-Fernandez on Dec. 16 says Korea and Europe need each other and must strengthen their relations in all areas.
arete@korea.kr
