UNJournal Lee Sung Jun | President Lee Jae-myung, during his European tour, agreed with the European Union (EU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, including security, defense, trade, investment, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

In addition, by elevating bilateral relations with Italy to a 'Special Strategic Partnership' for the first time in eight years, the two sides agreed to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly respond to global challenges amidst geopolitical instability.

National Security Advisor Wi Sung-rak announced these interim results during a briefing on the evening of June 12 (local time), stating, "President Lee Jae-myung’s first European tour, held to attend the G7 Summit, is now past the halfway point."

He stressed the significance of the President's visit to the EU, stating, "Based on the achievements of previous meetings with key EU leaders, including those from France, Italy, Germany, and Poland, this visit marks the beginning of our government's full-scale diplomacy toward Europe by directly visiting the EU, which serves as the control tower for the continent."

Then he added, "In particular, amidst the recent global decline of multilateralism and the rise of protectionism, there was a grave assessment that we must ensure the EU's strengthened self-help efforts for economic security do not act as a barrier to entry for us." He said, "Therefore, we sought to resolve the situation through diplomatic efforts at the summit level."

Regarding the specific outcome of the Korea-EU Summit, National Security Advisor Wi stated, "First, both sides adopted a joint statement agreeing to strengthen cooperative relations in various fields, including security, defense, trade, investment, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges."
Then he said, "Through this, they shared the view that they should seek ways to address the decline of multilateralism and newly emerging economic and trade trends."

He said, "We have concluded a digital trade agreement with the EU, the world's largest single market and our third-largest trading bloc." Then he added, "Through this, we expect to create a stable digital trade environment that facilitates e-commerce and protects consumers, keeping pace with the global trade reality where the proportion of digital trade is expanding."

Regarding regulatory legislation being pursued by the EU, such as steel tariff quotas and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), he added, "We conveyed our position that these should not become new trade barriers, and productive discussions took place."

National Security Advisor Wi also stated, "We have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the security sector between the two countries through the commencement of negotiations for a confidentiality agreement and the conclusion of an agreement on the transmission of passenger reservation data."

The confidentiality agreement is a set of principles and procedures for the appropriate protection and handling of classified information when shared between the two sides. Its conclusion is expected to strengthen exchanges regarding confidential information with the EU and significantly aid in promoting defense industry cooperation with individual EU member states. Furthermore, through the passenger reservation data transmission agreement, we will be able to receive travel information on passengers entering the country via EU national airlines. In particular, it is expected that our response capabilities against transnational crimes, such as drug trafficking, firearms, and terrorism, will be strengthened by obtaining travel information on high-risk travelers in advance.

Finally, National Security Advisor Wi stated, "During this visit, we reaffirmed the importance of the rules-based international order, multilateralism, and the free trade order with these leaders, and discussed cooperation measures as partners with similar positions." He added, "In particular, recognizing that security in the Indo-Pacific region and European security is becoming increasingly closely linked, we reaffirmed both sides' commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and secured the EU's support for our government's policies aimed at easing tensions and establishing peace on the peninsula."

Regarding the subsequent state visit to Italy, he assessed that the utmost courtesy and hospitality were extended. This marks the first state visit by a South Korean president to Italy in 26 years, since President Kim Dae-jung's visit in 2000. Meanwhile, President Lee received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Knights of the Italian Republic during this state visit. Regarding the outcomes of the Korea-Italy summit, National Security Advisor Wi stated, "First, we have strengthened our strategic relationship with Italy, a key member of the G7 and the EU." He added, "By elevating bilateral relations to 'Special Strategic Partners' for the first time in eight years, we have deepened our cooperative relationship to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and respond to global challenges amidst geopolitical instability."

This marks the second time under the current administration that Korea has elevated its relationship with a G7 nation, following the elevation of Korea-France relations to Global Strategic Partners during French President Macron's visit to Korea in April.

The two countries also adopted the Korea-Italy Strategic Action Plan for 2026–2030. Based on a proposal made during Prime Minister Meloni's visit last January, the plan encompasses comprehensive cooperation ranging from the economy, science, culture, and education to people-to-people exchanges, defense, and security.

In response, Advisor Wi remarked, "This demonstrates Italy's determination to manage its cooperation with Korea in a more systematic and meticulous manner." Furthermore, practical cooperation in various fields was strengthened to advance toward mutual prosperity with Italy. Accordingly, four MOUs were signed between the government ministries of both countries regarding cooperation on SMEs and small business owners, the social solidarity economy, advanced science and technology and ICT, and development cooperation.
The Korea-Italy Business Roundtable, held with the participation of over 30 major companies from both nations, served as a venue for exchange to create mutually beneficial business opportunities in various fields such as semiconductors, aerospace, energy, and biotechnology.

Finally, an opportunity was created to promote cooperation with Italy in the fields of culture and people-to-people exchange. The text of a Korea-Italy film co-production agreement has been finalized and is awaiting domestic procedural steps, and an MOU was also signed between the National Museum of Korea and the Uffizi Gallery in Italy.

Meanwhile, regarding the upcoming schedule of the visit, President Lee will attend a "Special Mass for Peace and Solidarity" at St. Paul's Basilica outside the Walls on the morning of the 14th (local time) and begin his official visit to the Holy See with a commemorative speech. He is scheduled to greet Korean clergy and priests gathered from various regions, including Cardinal Yoo Heung-shik, the first Korean appointed Minister for the Clergy.

Additionally, on the morning of the 15th, he is scheduled to hold a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Papal Palace, followed by a meeting with Cardinal Paolo, the Secretary of State.