In an era marked by geopolitical volatility and rapid technological transformation, this position paper explores the evolving strategic partnership between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Netherlands. Rooted in shared democratic values and reinforced by complementary strengths in high-tech industry, security innovations, and AI governance, the two nations are poised to move from alignment to co-leadership on the global stage.
Building on the outcomes of the inaugural 2025 ROK-NL Forum, held on April 23rd together with The Korea Foundation, the paper identifies three pillars of cooperation—global security, artificial intelligence, and high-tech industry collaboration—and outlines a bold, forward-looking agenda. Key recommendations include enhancing cyber defence, institutionalising educational exchange, deepening joint research on AI governance, and scaling innovation in semiconductors and green logistics.
With practical insights and policy proposals, the paper urges both governments to embed this partnership into long-term national strategies and shape an agile, principled model of cooperation between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Authors: Fiona De Cuyper, Benedetta Girardi, Julie Ebrard
With contributions by Davis Ellison and Hans Horan
The research was made possible through a financial contribution from the Korea Foundation to The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS). Responsibility for the contents and for the opinions expressed, rests solely with the authors.
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