EU-ASEAN Business Council pushes for joint power grid and regional trade pact by 2027

In a statement released on Wednesday, the EU-ASEAN Business Council outlined a three-part plan to mark the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-EU relations in 2027, featuring an interconnected power grid, a regional economic architecture, and resilient systems. The grid proposal would draw on the EU’s experience in linked electricity networks and leverage the €105 million already allocated to Team Europe sustainability initiatives.

Council leaders also urged the EU to increase high-level engagement across sectors such as digital, finance, energy and health. Additionally, Chairman Jens Ruebbert promoted a continent-wide free-trade agreement, noting that three-quarters of European respondents favor a regional deal over bilateral accords. The EU currently holds FTAs with Singapore and Vietnam, with pending agreements for Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. The council hopes these steps will generate commercial gains and broader economic benefits for Southeast Asian communities.