ABOUT

The European Union (EU)

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 Member States. Together, they have built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development whilst maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. In 2012, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for advancing the causes of peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe. The EU is the largest trade block in the world, as well as the world’s main source and the top global destination of foreign direct investment.

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Singapore

The European Union Delegation to Singapore opened on 30th June 2004 and marked its 20th anniversary last year. The EU’s diplomatic representation has worked to promote closer ties between the EU and Singapore. The wide-ranging relationship has strengthened and expanded in its scope over the years. In close coordination with the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States, the Delegation ensures consistency and effectiveness of the EU’s external action in Singapore.

The Delegation’s activities cover a range of issues such as foreign policy, security, trade, climate change, environment, transport, industrial policy, research, science, technology as well as innovative education, arts and cultural projects. This includes the national award-winning arts project SEA AiR (Studio Residencies for Southeast Asian Artists in the European Union).

With 27 countries, nearly 450 million people and the largest GDP in the world, the EU is forging an ever-closer relationship with Singapore, especially since the entry into force of the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) in November 2019, and the elevation of its relationship with ASEAN to a Strategic Partnership in December 2020.

On 7th May 2025, the EU and Singapore took a significant step forward in their bilateral trade relations with the signing of a landmark Digital Trade Agreement (EUSDTA) that deepens EU-Singapore cooperation in the digital domain. It reflects the clear commitment of both sides to strengthen their longstanding economic relations and uphold the rules-based trading order. The Agreement opens up new avenues for bilateral digital trade, while fostering innovation. Once in effect, the more than 12,000 EU businesses operating in Singapore will feel its benefits first-hand. The EUSDTA reflects the strategic importance of digital trade and the pivotal role that Southeast Asia plays, given the sizable growth of its digital economy. The EU and Singapore are building on a strong foundation: in 2023, bilateral trade in goods and services reached €132.7 billion, while EU Foreign Direct Investment in Singapore stood at €263 billion, making it our fifth largest destination globally. These figures reflect the success of existing agreements, including our Free Trade Agreement; our Partnership and Cooperation Agreement; and our Investment Protection Agreement.

Follow the EU Ambassador-designate to Singapore Artis Bertulis on X: @ArtisBertulis
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Web: www.europe.sg

Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI)

Study in Europe is supported by the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI). FPI puts EU foreign policy into actions, builds alliances and leverages the EU’s partnerships around the world. In Southeast Asia, the FPI regional team works with EU Delegations to advance people to people exchanges, build mutual understanding, based on European key principles and sustainable policies.