European Parliament in ASEAN

In a world of distrust, the EU remains trustworthy and attractive to many people around it. Enlarging the EU is an investment in its security and stability. 56% of Europeans are in favour of EU enlargement with young people being the biggest supporters. link.europa.eu/9yFfnk

In a world dominated by precariousness, once again the EU proves to be a reliable partner. EU and Australia have just concluded FTA negotiations & signed a Security and Defence Partnership, while trade talks between EU and SE Asian countries are either concluded or ongoing.

On 20 March, António Costa, President of the European Council, sent a congratulatory letter to Prime Minister Anutin Chanverakul on his election as the Prime Minister of Thailand.

Like most fundamental values, equality is not just a European value, but a universal one. On World Down Syndrome Day, we celebrate diversity and inclusion and continue working to remove barriers, so that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in society.

The Week Ahead 23 – 29 March 2026: Plenary - 19-20 March EU summit - Energy security - EU-US trade - Reform of EU return rules - Simplification of AI rules - EU water quality - Protecting taxpayers and deposits

Racism has no place in our Union or anywhere else. 60 years ago, the international community adopted the first global treaty to eliminate racial discrimination. Since then, this commitment has guided collective action to advance equality, human rights and a rules-based international order. Protecting minorities and combating racism reduces tensions and polarisation, strengthens resilience against conflict, manipulation and disinformation, and reinforces democratic values. This is how we build stability in Europe and beyond. Read the statement by HR/VP @kajakallas on behalf of the EU: link.europa.eu/c93NGx

From 1958 to 1979, the then European Parliamentary Assembly was in many ways similar to what the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) is today. Today, @Europarl_EN and @aipasecretariat remain strong partners! @EUinASEAN

Happy Eid al‑Fitr to everyone celebrating across Southeast Asia! 🌙✨ May this Eid bring peace, gratitude, and joy to you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak from all of us at @EPinASEAN ! 🇪🇺🤝🌏

The EU is deeply engaged in trade negotiations in SE Asia, making us stronger in uncertain times. Canada is also a strategic partner to the EU and at a time of growing global instability, this bond matters more than ever. We can do more together! link.europa.eu/jTn6tB

🇪🇺 Happy birthday to @Europarl_EN ! On this day in 1958, the European Parliamentary Assembly gathered for the first time in Strasbourg, France. This would later become the European Parliament that we know today.

In times when women’s rights face resistance, strong societies are built where women actively shape decisions that determine our future. 🌍 Today, women hold just over a quarter of parliamentary seats worldwide. Only 28 countries are led by a woman, and 101 have never had a female leader. 🇺🇦 In Ukraine, women make up 21% of parliament, ranking the country 119th globally. New data from @UN_Women & @IPUparliament reveal how far we still have to go for equal political leadership. #ForAllWomenAndGirls Through initiatives like #SheLeadsUkraine, @unwomenukraine is supporting the next generation of women leaders: 600+ trained, 200+ connected nationwide. 🔗 Learn more and explore the 2026 Women in Politics Map: lnk.ua/Wzy4q9U5w

✨ Happy #Nyepi to everyone celebrating. Nyepi marks the Hindu New Year. It’s a 24‑hour period of fasting, meditation, and total stillness—no lights, no travel, no work—to purify the mind, body, and environment. May your day be peaceful and reflective!

The average pension gap between men and women in Europe is 24.5%. Similar to what we observe in Southeast Asia. @Europarl_EN calls for an EU action plan to improve working conditions and fair pay in women-dominated sectors. Learn more: link.europa.eu/Db8PB3

🚨 HAPPENING TOMORROW! 🌍What does the future of democracy look like — and what role should the EU play in shaping it? "The Future of Democracy Support" conference | 18–19 March 2026 |@europarl_EN Hosted by @EP_DEG, with addresses by @EP_President @RobertaMetsola and @Igor_Grosu_md, President of the Parliament of Moldova. MEPs, EU officials & global experts tackle democratic backsliding and resilience, disinformation & the next MFF. 🔍For more information and webstreaming 🔗link.europa.eu/rvkmvM #Democracysupport #parliamentarydiplomacy @davidmcallister @BarryAndrewsMEP @HNeumannMEP @NachoSAmor @RobertBiedron @gahler_michael @nicustefanuta

🇪🇺 #EUinThailand greatly appreciates exchange with @MFAThai 🇹🇭 on the priorities for UN Human Rights Council in support of 🕊️ human rights, multilateralism and rules-based int order.⚖️

The new global context requires new and bold measures: Europe must take charge of its own defence. The EU needs amongst others a stronger single market for defence, with Ukraine as a vital part of it, @Europarl_EN says in a new report. Read more: link.europa.eu/YxMd46

Congratulations to the team behind Joachim Trier’s ‘Sentimental Value’ on their win during Oscars 2026! The film is also nominated for @luxaward and was recently screened at @EUDelegationVN EU Film festival. Learn more: lux-award.europarl.europa.eu/en

Athletes from across the EU have claimed an impressive 90 medals at the Winter Paralympics, showing perseverance and passion in a wide range of sports. A big congratulations to all the athletes for this inspiring achievement! #MilanoCortina2026

This year again, we will show @luxaward movies in Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, Timor-Leste and Vietnam! 🎬 Best of luck to the European Parliament's LUX Audience Award nominees at the 2026 Oscars. You can help decide the winner of the LUX Award! 👉lux-award.europarl.europa.eu/en

As the world seems to go from one crisis to another, 66% of Europeans want stronger EU action to respond to global crises. In Cyprus, the figure climbs to 90%, the highest level of support in the EU. Learn more: link.europa.eu/kbPyBC