Invitation-only hybrid roundtable
8:45 – 12:30 CEST (15:45 – 19:30 KST – 11 April 2025)
The transition to green industry – whether through the decarbonisation of energy-intensive sectors or the widespread rollout of cleantech solutions – depends on innovation and effective roll out in industrial processes, all while ensuring cost-effectiveness to maintain industrial competitiveness. Recently, these dynamics have been shaped by increasingly protectionist sentiments, amplified by Trump-era trade wars, and an anxiety about cleantech dominance, all of which are poised to influence the global green industry landscape in the years ahead.
For like-minded regions such as the EU and South Korea (whose relationship is exemplified by their Green Partnership), it is time to explore common ground and identify opportunities for cooperation in these turbulent times, whilst also being candid about areas of (potential) disagreement.
This workshop will bring together European and Korean stakeholders to discuss mutual interests and explore areas for collaboration across these critical issues:
- How can affordable (and thus, competitive) clean energy be ensured in resource-poor regions, such as South Korea and the EU? Is there room for cooperation on cleantech innovation; and if so, in which sectors?
- As emerging lead markets for low-carbon products develop, how can their standards and definitions be agreed upon? Is there potential for discussion between South Korea and the EU?
- What strategies are being adopted to address industrial emissions, and how do these choices impact the green industry transition? How do countries view levelling the playing field for carbon costs, particularly with the introduction of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?
The discussion will help shape a report on EU-South Korea green industry cooperation, supported by the Korea Foundation.
