The EU Delegation to ASEAN is one of over 140 diplomatic missions that represent the EU around the world. It was established in Jakarta on 8 August 2015, reflecting the EU’s growing engagement with ASEAN.  

EU-ASEAN relations date back to 1977 when official “Dialogue Relations” began. In 2020, the EU and ASEAN reached an important milestone in their longstanding relationship by becoming Strategic Partners. This elevates their partnership with a commitment to regular summits at the leaders’ level. 

The overall purpose of the EU Delegation to ASEAN is to contribute to enhancing the strategic partnership that exists between the EU and ASEAN. 

The EU Delegation’s main role is to represent the EU for ASEAN as a whole and to promote the positions and policies of the EU to ASEAN officials. The EU Delegation also keeps abreast the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission and other EU institutions on significant ASEAN-related developments in the region; oversees the various forms of regional cooperation, and increases awareness and understanding of EU-ASEAN relations and cooperation. 

The EU Delegation has full diplomatic privileges and immunities with the Head of Delegation accorded full ambassadorial status.  

The EU Delegation is a natural point of contact between the EU and ASEAN officials, as well as others in the region wishing to know more about EU policies for the ASEAN region and on EU-ASEAN relations and cooperation. It does not, however, deal with trade promotion, consular matters or other issues which have traditionally been handled by the EU Member State embassies, consulates or national tourism offices. 

The EU Delegation is headed by an Ambassador, assisted by a Deputy Head of Delegation and a Political Officer. It is also supported by some 50 staff shared with the EU Delegation to Indonesia and Brunei.