INTERVIEW EU ambassador condemns N. Korea's illegal weapons programs

EU Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez / Courtesy of Delegation of the European Union in Seoul

European Union Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez has expressed concerns over North Korea's exploitation of the global geopolitical landscape by persisting in its weapons program and fostering stronger ties with Russia.

“The DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) continues to advance its illegal weapons programs,” she said during a recent written interview with The Korea Times. "2022 and 2023 saw an unprecedented number of illegal missile launches by Pyongyang, with several technological improvements. The DPRK is also further developing its Yongbyon nuclear complex, including a new reactor that seems to have become operational in 2023."

She underscored the EU's denouncement of North Korea's activities and its advocacy for dialogue to foster peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.

"The EU believes that the negative cycle of events on the Korean Peninsula can only be reversed when the DPRK ceases missile launches and resumes dialogue," Fernandez said.

“These are clearly in violation of UNSC resolutions. The only route to sustainable peace and security on Korean Peninsula lies in the DPRK engaging in dialogue and complying with UNSC resolutions.”

Furthermore, Fernandez expressed concerns about the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, along with the suspected supply of weaponry to Moscow for use against Ukraine.

“The EU is also strongly concerned by the DPRK-Russia military cooperation and Russia’s use of North Korean ballistic missiles and weapons against Ukraine,” she said, highlighting the potential security implications for Europe and the Korean Peninsula, labeling it an "unacceptable violation of multiple UNSC resolutions."

In terms of long-term strategies, the ambassador reiterated the EU's unwavering solidarity with South Korea and its commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

"The EU wants a peaceful and denuclearized Korean Peninsula, achieved through dialogue and understanding," she said.

Fernandez emphasized the longstanding partnership between South Korea and the EU and highlighted regular Security and Defense Consultations and thematic structured dialogues between the two, focusing on cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and disarmament. Fernandez also noted South Korea's participation in EU Crisis Management Operations, such as the EU-led anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

"The EU and ROK (Republic of Korea) are longstanding partners in the field of peace, security and defense and have significantly developed our relationship in these areas over the past few years," Fernandez said.

Looking ahead, Fernandez expressed optimism about deepening security cooperation between South Korea and the EU, referencing the 2023 EU-ROK Summit Statement and the upcoming negotiation of a security and defense partnership.

A Leopard 2A6 tank of Ukraine's 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade fires during a military exercise near a front line in Donetsk region, Ukraine, May 12, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine. Reuters-Yonhap

Russia-Ukraine conflict

Fernandez delivered a stark assessment of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the EU's steadfast support for Ukraine.

She corrected the notion of the conflict as a mere dispute between two neighbors, asserting, "The war in Europe is not an 'ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine' but an illegal war of aggression." She highlighted the U.N. General Assembly's resolution condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine, framing it as a violation of international law and a threat to global peace.

She underscored the EU's substantial financial assistance, amounting to over 88 billion euros ($95.7 billion), and emphasized the creation of the Ukraine Reserve to bolster support for Kyiv.

"The EU will continue to provide strong political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes," she said.

Addressing concerns about the broader implications of a Russian victory, Fernandez warned, "If Russia prevails, it will not stop at Ukraine’s borders." She cautioned of the potential for further aggression towards EU member states, emphasizing the significance of Ukraine's resistance in safeguarding European security.

Transitioning to the humanitarian crisis spawned by the conflict, Fernandez outlined the EU's proactive measures, including the allocation of 785 million euros for humanitarian aid programs in Ukraine. She noted the influx of displaced Ukrainians seeking refuge in the EU and highlighted the activation of the Temporary Protection Mechanism to provide immediate assistance and residence rights.

On the topic of facilitating peace talks, Fernandez endorsed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula as the most viable framework for achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine. However, she lamented Russia's reluctance to engage constructively, citing its disregard for international law and diplomatic norms.

Fernandez clarified the EU's coordinated approach regarding diplomatic initiatives and sanctions, emphasizing close cooperation among member states to implement the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which is EU’s broader framework for external relations in matters relating to foreign affairs, security, defense and crisis management. She underscored the efficacy of EU sanctions in exerting pressure on Russia, highlighting their impact on various sectors of the Russian economy.

Throughout the interview, Fernandez reiterated the EU's solidarity with Ukraine and called for international unity in condemning Russian aggression. She commended South Korea for its cooperation on sanctions against Russia and expressed hope for continued support in all aspects of the conflict.

Economic, cultural ties

The ambassador provided insights into the robust diplomatic relations between South Korea and the EU, emphasizing areas of cooperation and upcoming engagements.

"Our bilateral cooperation is excellent and received new impetus through our successful summit last year in Seoul," Fernandez said.

Regarding trade and investment, Fernandez noted the success of the Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

"In 2023, bilateral trade in goods was 130 billion euros ($141.4 billion)," she said. "This figure comes very close to trade we have with Japan, yet Japan is a much larger economy." She highlighted ongoing negotiations to incorporate digital trade disciplines into the FTA to deepen economic ties.

On the cultural front, Fernandez emphasized the significance of people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations.

"To celebrate the diversity and originality of EU languages and to bring them closer to Koreans, we host the EU Day of Languages festival, together with all EU member states, in Korea," she said.

As tourism exchanges between Europe and Korea rebound to pre-COVID levels, Fernandez expressed optimism about the role of cultural events and festivals.

"We also try to represent the EU at many events as much as possible, including climate youth festivals, film festivals and exhibitions," she said, highlighting these as avenues for learning more about EU values and initiatives.