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International cooperation

European Commission Unveils New Strategic EU-India Agenda for Enhanced Cooperation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Commission (EC) has presented a "New Strategic EU-India Agenda" to bolster bilateral cooperation, promote prosperity and security, and address global challenges. The initiative, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to advance trade, investment, and talent mobility, strengthen joint economic security, and drive innovation in areas such as defense and clean energy. The new strategy also focuses on closer EU-India collaboration on global issues, including digital policies, food security, health, and climate resilience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission has outlined a "New Strategic EU-India Agenda" to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation between the EU and India.
  • The initiative aims to enhance trade, investment, and talent mobility, strengthen joint economic security, and drive innovation in areas such as defense and clean energy.
  • The strategy prioritizes cooperation on global issues, including digital policies, food security, health, and climate resilience.
  • The EU and India plan to finalize a Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2024 and strengthen commercial ties.
  • The new strategy proposes reinforcing supply chains while promoting critical emerging technologies and engagement on digital issues.
  • The EU-India Security and Defence Partnership seeks to enhance strategic consultations, joint initiatives, and defense industrial cooperation.

Statistics:

  • The European Union is already India's biggest trading partner, with the EU-India trade valued at over $100 billion per year (EC, 2024).
  • The EU and India plan to finalize a Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2024.
  • The new strategy aims to strengthen economic security by promoting critical emerging technologies and engagement on digital issues.
  • The EU-India Startup partnership is expected to be launched to facilitate collaboration between European and Indian start-ups.
  • The Horizon Europe programme invites India to associate and participate in the joint research and innovation agenda.

Sources:

  • "New Strategic EU-India Agenda" Joint Communication, European Commission (2024)
  • Speech by President Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission (2024)
  • Statement by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas (2024)

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