Flagship project
Advancing climate and clean energy cooperation between the EU and Korea
Advancing EU-Korea cooperation on climate action, clean energy and the circular economy, while engaging more than 1,500 stakeholders through policy dialogues and reaching 3.2 million people through public diplomacy campaigns.
The challenge
Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution can only be tackled through strong international cooperation. Both the EU and the Republic of Korea are pursuing ambitious green transitions, but closer alignment is needed on policies, regulations, clean technologies and public engagement. Key priorities include circular economy rules, offshore wind and clean energy development, sustainable industry, and stronger public awareness of climate targets and sustainable lifestyles.
Our goal
Strengthening the EU-Korea Green Partnership and supporting both sides in implementing the Paris Agreement and key multilateral environmental agreements. The focus is on deepening cooperation on climate action, a just and clean energy transition, biodiversity protection, circular economy solutions and green smart city innovation – contributing to the green transition priorities of both the EU and the Republic of Korea.
Our approach
We bring together government institutions, businesses, academia, civil society, young people and EU Member States through a Team Europe approach. Policy dialogues, expert seminars, industry forums and public campaigns create space for exchange and joint action. The work supports clean energy cooperation, including on offshore wind, AI and energy systems, while also strengthening circular economy dialogue on regulations and industry readiness. Public diplomacy campaigns, youth engagement and media partnerships help raise awareness and build wider support for climate action across Korea.
Impact in numbers
Together, these activities are building trust, strengthening networks and creating momentum for joint EU-Korea action on the green transition.
Key highlights
- Several high-level events and campaigns have helped strengthen EU-Korea cooperation and public visibility on green transition topics.
- The EU-Korea EcoDesign Cooperation Forum 2025 brought together 300 participants to discuss circular economy regulations, the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and Digital Product Passports
- The EU Green Day Festival, organised with eight EU Member States, welcomed 800 visitors and brought climate action closer to the public
- Policy dialogues on the clean energy transition included a high-level seminar on AI and energy during the World Climate Industry Expo
- A nationwide media campaign with Chosun Media on sustainable agribusiness reached an estimated 1.3 million people
- Youth engagement was supported through the 14th University Student Climate Change Academy and the Seoul International Eco-Film Festival
- The EU-Korea Clean Energy Technology Forum in Seoul highlighted how regulation and clean technologies can accelerate industrial decarbonisation
- A seminar on the reduction and management of F-gases convened 107 policymakers, industry representatives and technical experts
Voices from the field
The EU-Korea Green Partnership Programme has provided a highly valuable platform for fostering practical cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the European Union in the field of the circular economy. [...] These activities have helped Korean industries better understand the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and the broader transition towards a circular economy, while strengthening their capacity to prepare for future regulatory developments.
GPP has been a trusted partner for GEYK throughout the entire process – from project planning and implementation to connecting us with valuable international networks. GPP's support has enabled us to create more opportunities for young people to engage with climate issues and take meaningful action. [...] We look forward to continuing our collaboration across a wide range of areas, including climate action, biodiversity conservation, and the circular economy, and to creating even greater positive impact together for a more sustainable future.
Producing newspaper articles, YouTube videos, and large-scale digital billboard content around three themes of pristine nature, eco-friendly organic farming, and smart farming gave me a deep appreciation for the principles and philosophy that European agriculture has long upheld. [...] It was a truly meaningful project that demonstrated the power of a partnership built on trust.
Success story
Empowering Korea's next generation of climate leaders
For a group of Korean university students, climate diplomacy became more than something discussed in classrooms. Through the 14th University Student Climate Change Academy, hosted by the National Assembly Forum on Climate Change, they gained first-hand insight into global climate policy, the EU Green Deal and the role young people can play in driving environmental change.
Over nine intensive days, students explored international climate strategies, exchanged with experts and developed a stronger understanding of how policy decisions shape the future. Outstanding participants then had the opportunity to attend COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as observers.
Experiencing global climate negotiations first-hand helped turn local engagement into international awareness. Through interviews, testimonials and social media campaigns, the students shared their experiences with thousands of young people across Korea.
Their journey shows how investing in youth can build confidence, strengthen professional pathways and inspire wider climate action – one future leader at a time.
University Student Climate Change Academy
Special features
In the media
Korean media have highlighted the programme's role in strengthening EU-Korea cooperation on climate action, circular economy and clean energy.
EU-Korea Ecodesign Cooperation Forum 2025
The EU-Korea Ecodesign Cooperation Forum 2025 brought together 300 participants in Seoul. Photo: Dong-a Ilbo
EU-Korea seminar on F-gases
EU Ambassador Ugo Astuto opens the EU-Korea seminar on the reduction and management of F-gases. Photo: Dahee Kwon, Money Today