The European Union (EU) is a political and economic 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. With the help of over 140 diplomatic representations around the world, the EU cooperates closely with its Member States to promote the values and interests of the EU and establish networks and partnerships, promoting multilateral-based solutions to common challenges. 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.

In 2012, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for advancing the causes of peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights.

The 27 EU Member States are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

The European Union Delegation to Singapore opened on 30^th June 2004 and thus marks its 20^th anniversary. Since then, the EU’s diplomatic representation has worked to promote closer ties between the EU and Singapore. The wide-ranging relationship has further 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.

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.

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 and cultural projects, which include the national award-winning arts project SEA AiR (Studio Residencies for Southeast Asian Artists in the European Union).

On 1^st February 2023, the EU-Singapore Digital Partnership was signed in Brussels. This partnership expands the robust EU-Singapore relationship into the digital realm, which has a transformative potential for the future of our economies. The Digital Partnership builds on long-standing cooperation between the EU and Singapore on trade, research and technology. It will also serve as a strategic pathfinder for closer region-to-region digital connectivity. On the same occasion, Digital Trade Principles, a key deliverable of the Digital Partnership, were also signed. The principles seek to facilitate the free flow of goods and services in the digital economy, while upholding privacy.

On 25^th July 2024, Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, and Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, Grace Fu, announced the conclusion of negotiations of the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (EUSDTA). The EUSDTA reflects the strategic importance of digital trade and the pivotal role that Southeast Asia plays, given the sizeable growth of its digital economy. 

Follow the EU Ambassador to Singapore, Iwona Piórko, on X: @IwonaPiorkoEU

Connect with the EU Delegation to Singapore: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube

Web: www.europe.sg

The European Film Festival (EUFF) 2025 is funded and supported by the European Union’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI).

FPI puts EU foreign policy into action as part of a comprehensive geopolitical vision, in line with the EU’s foreign policy priorities. Under the Public Diplomacy and Policy Dialogue Facility, the FPI regional team works with the EU Delegation to Singapore to enhance EU-Singapore engagement through regular events, outreach, engagement, and exchanges.

Link: Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI)