European Commission

Press release

Brussels, 10 October 2014

10th ASEM summit

The 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit will take place in Milan, 16-17 October 2014. The Summit will be chaired by President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, who will represent the European Union together with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. It will be hosted by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and the Government of Italy. The Summit will also bring together Heads of State and Government from 51 Asian and European partners and the ASEAN Secretary General.

Speaking ahead of the event, President Van Rompuy said: "This is the second time I have the privilege to chair the ASEM Summit, which is a key forum for dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Asia. The theme of our 10th Summit – 'Responsible Partnership for Sustainable Growth and Security' – reflects the growing scope of our relationship beyond trade and development. I look forward in particular to reaffirming our joint responsibility for promoting peace and security in Asia and Europe."

President Barroso said: "The ASEM Summit is the moment when Europe and Asia get together. This 10th edition in Milan will be a key opportunity to further strengthen our ties. As two of the most important stakeholders of the global order we have a shared responsibility to shape a more prosperous, sustainable and fairer world. A lot can be achieved if we reinforce our economic and trade cooperation as well as promote our partnership on the environment, social issues, culture, education. At this Summit we must underscore the significance of connectivity between our continents to achieve our common goals. ASEM is more than an official meeting; it is an encounter of people, ideas and projects".

The summit will be followed by a press conference on Friday afternoon.

For more information:

10th ASEM Summit webpage: www.european-council.europa.eu/asem-2014

EU in ASEM: http://eeas.europa.eu/asem/index_en.htm