Amid Donald Trump’s pro-Russia stance, European nations are accelerating efforts to strengthen their own defense capabilities, signaling a major boom for the region’s defense industry. As expectations for increased European military spending rise, South Korea’s defense stocks, including Hanwha Aerospace, surged sharply on the domestic stock market on March 4. (Image courtesy of Hanwha Aerospace)
SEOUL, March 8 (Korea Bizwire) — As Europe navigates a rapidly changing security landscape, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul highlighted growing European interest in deepening cooperation with Seoul.
Speaking to reporters in Paris on March 7, Cho emphasized that European nations increasingly recognize South Korea’s strategic value, particularly in security and defense.
His remarks followed a diplomatic tour that included meetings with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, President Andrzej Duda, and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
This rendered image, provided by HD Hyundai Industries Co. on Dec. 27, 2023, shows a representation of a Korea Destroyer Next Generation vessel. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Growing Security Cooperation Between Europe and the Indo-Pacific
Cho pointed to the Ukraine war and deepening Russia-North Korea military ties as factors strengthening the security link between Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. He noted that NATO has invited South Korea and three other Indo-Pacific partners to its summits for three consecutive years, a sign of Europe’s increasing engagement in the region.
“With the rapid shifts in global affairs following the inauguration of Trump’s second administration, the necessity for like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific and Europe to strengthen solidarity has grown,” Cho stated. “Many European nations are showing keen interest in expanding security cooperation with South Korea.”
On March 7 (local time), South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul held a press briefing with local correspondents in Paris after his meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. (Yonhap)
Europe Turns to South Korea for Defense Capabilities
A South Korean government official noted that European countries have a heightened interest in South Korea’s defense industry, especially amid concerns about their own military preparedness.
“As President Trump has repeatedly criticized, Europe has long neglected its own defense capabilities,” the official said. “Now that an urgent need has arisen, few nations have the ability to supply military equipment quickly—South Korea is one of them.”
President Duda echoed this sentiment, citing Poland’s recent purchases of South Korean K2 main battle tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers. During a NATO press conference in Brussels, he highlighted South Korea’s ability to deliver within just one year, making it a crucial partner in bolstering European defense.
A collaborative body involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, industry, academia, and research institutions has officially begun operations to strengthen South Korea’s defense industry ecosystem. This initiative was launched in Busan on February 26, coinciding with the opening of the ’2025 Drone Show Korea.’ (Image courtesy of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy)
Geopolitical Challenges Amid Shifting U.S.-Europe Relations
South Korea’s engagement with Europe comes as transatlantic alliances face new tensions. The evolving U.S.-Europe divide was evident on February 24, when the United Nations Security Council marked the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The U.S. submitted a resolution calling for an immediate end to the war without assigning blame to Russia, an approach that garnered support from China and Russia—an unusual alignment.
Meanwhile, France and the UK abstained, signaling growing differences between the U.S. and its European allies. South Korea, a non-permanent Security Council member, voted in favor of the resolution.
Amid these complexities, South Korean officials are closely monitoring North Korea’s potential role in Ukraine’s post-war settlement. The presence of North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine has added a sensitive dimension to these discussions.
A government official reiterated South Korea’s position that any North Korean defectors seeking asylum would be granted South Korean citizenship, as per the country’s constitution, though careful vetting would be required to confirm their intentions.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
