Providing technical assistance to strengthen the EU-ASEAN partnership and to improve the partners’ sustainable connectivity

EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) Investment Facilitation

Southeast Asia faces significant challenges including poverty, inequality, limited access to education and health care, political instability, and natural disasters, all of which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic. By 2030, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)'s population will reach 700 million, with increased urbanization and more households joining the consuming class. However, disparities in state capacity and economic development are projected to remain.

To address and offset these disparities, the European Union (EU) and ASEAN have prioritized addressing infrastructure needs, fostering economic growth, and promoting resilience in the Indo-Pacific region. Guided by the EU-ASEAN Plan of Action (2023-2027) and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, this partnership aims to enhance sustainable connectivity through the EU's Global Gateway and Indo-Pacific Strategies.

As EU-ASEAN’s project manager for the Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE), we are working to enhance regulatory and institutional environments, develop investment projects, and coordinate efforts under the Team Europe Initiative. These efforts will help create opportunities by enhancing trade, economic integration, and people-to-people ties, ultimately fostering inclusive growth, sustainability, and strengthening the EU-ASEAN partnership.