The visit by European Council President Antonio Costa is scheduled for january 28-29, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The European Council is the highest political body of the European Union (EU). At 64 years old, Costa previously served as prime minister of Portugal from 2015-2024, before assuming the presidency of the European Council in december 2024.

European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels, Belgium, december 2025. Photo: AFP.

European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels, Belgium, december 2025. Photo: AFP.

Vietnam and the EU established diplomatic relations on 28/11/1990. Bilateral trade turnover in the first 11 months of 2025 reached over 66,8 billion USD, a 6,6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The EU is Vietnam's fourth largest trade partner, third largest export market, and fifth largest import market. Vietnam is the EU's 16th largest trade partner and the largest in ASEAN.

Total EU foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam reached 30 billion USD. The EU ranks 6th among 140 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Vietnam has 98 investment projects in the EU with a total capital of 434,88 million USD.

In terms of development cooperation, the EU is a major aid provider to Vietnam. The EU also prioritizes promoting cooperation with Vietnam in areas such as green, sustainable development and climate change response. It is currently implementing several projects in Vietnam under the Global Gateway Initiative.

Cooperation in science, technology, and innovation is a new pillar of collaboration between Vietnam and many EU member states. The Ministry of Science and Technology is the focal point for the Horizon Europe program, phase 2022-2027.

Huyen Le