1. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and the EU next year, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Belgium and to the European Union and Permanent Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization held a presentation on the results of the Korea-EU Public Mutual Perception Survey and the award ceremony for the Korea-EU 60th Anniversary Logo Design Contest on the afternoon of December 8 (local time).

o In their welcoming remarks, Mr. Yoon Soongu, Ambassador to Belgium and the EU, and Mr. Gunnar Wiegand, Managing Director for Asia and Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS), expressed hope that the Korea-EU relations, which have grown closer over the past 60 years, would expand to future-oriented areas, including the digital sector and climate change.

2. The Korea-EU Mutual Public Perception Survey, conducted ahead of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and the EU in 2023, showed that Korean and EU citizens generally had a positive perception of each other and considered each other an important trading partner. They particularly assessed that cooperation in economic affairs is well underway.

o Korean nationals thought that robust cooperation is underway in cultural affairs and climate change, and EU citizens assessed that cooperation is strongest in economic affairs, followed by foreign affairs, security, and culture.

o The survey is considered meaningful and timely, as it would help set the way forward for future Korea-EU relations.

3. In the Korea-EU 60th Anniversary Logo Design Contest, a logo designed by a Korean using Geon (sky), Gon (earth), Gam (water), and Ri (fire), symbols in the national flag of Korea, won the top award. The second best award went to a Bulgarian, and the encouragement awards went to two Koreans and one Belgian.

o At the award ceremony, Emily D’heygere, an encouragement award winner from Belgium, who attended the ceremony in person, received a certificate of award and prize, and the other award winners also introduced their logos and delivered remarks through video messages. The top award will be given to the Korean winner at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea on a separate occasion.

o The Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Belgium and to the European Union and the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea will promote the significance of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and the EU among the nationals of both sides by actively using the top award logo.

4. This event attended by key EU officials and students of both sides served as a meaningful opportunity to mark the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two sides and exchange views on ways to further advance bilateral relations. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Belgium and to the European Union will continue to hold a variety of events in the future to enhance mutual understanding between Korean and EU nationals on the occasion of the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.