The development of EU and Vietnam bilateral relations in the XXI century

The paper describes the institutionalization process of bilateral relations between Vietnam and the European Union. It points to favorable conditions including: doi moi reform process in Vietnam as well as the end of the Cold War antagonism. The rise of mutual interest in the face of growing position of East Asia and Vietnam's stable economic growth resuited in signing Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU and then enabled Vietnam and the EU to reach new level of cooperation, such as signing of free trade agreement, which according to experts may contribute to securing Vietnam's economic growth and facilitate its integration process with the global economy. In the same times the article includes the analysis of perspectives of future cooperation, with particular attention to barriers in the process. But the main thesis of the article is that despite various real and potential problems, the expansion of EU-Vietnam cooperation will continue. It is favorable for both sides.

International relations, economic and political cooperation Vietnam - EU, PCA, Free Trade Agreement, ASEAN