Gunnar Wiegand outlines Europe’s coronavirus efforts in Asia

The European Union is contributing to the global effort to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, with the European External Action Service (EEAS) playing an active role. Asia House welcomed Gunnar Wiegand, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the EEAS, to brief Corporate Members on the organisation’s work in Asia, and the potential implications of COVID-19 for EU relations in the region.

Speaking from Brussels via video, Wiegand gave a summary of the European response to the pandemic and the potential impact on the global economy, before taking questions from Asia House Corporate Members joining the session from around the world.

Issues discussed in the off-the-record briefing included the measures being taken by Asian countries to alleviate the public health crisis; the implications of COVID-19 for EU-ASEAN relations; and the role of the WTO in the global recovery.

Wiegand was also asked about Europe’s relationship with China and the prospects for the BRI in Southeast Asia.

Moderated by Asia House Chief Executive Michael Lawrence, the insightful briefing was held exclusively for Asia House Corporate Members. Find out more about Corporate Membership.