The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) was created in 1996 as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Asia. Every two years, ASEM Heads of State and Government meet at a summit to set ASEM’s priorities. These Summits are held alternatively in Asia and Europe.

The 10th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM10) was chaired by the President of the European Council and hosted by the Government of Italy. The Summit was held on 16-17 October 2014 in the Italian city of Milan.

The theme of the 10th ASEM Summit (ASEM10), “Responsible Partnership for Growth & Security“, reflected the enlarging scope of the EU-Asia relationship. The meeting provided a key opportunity to convey a strong message of commitment of Europe to Asia.

1. Responsible – both Europe and Asia should act responsibly, abiding by their joint commitment to environmental protection, social dialogue, eradicating poverty, promotion and protection of human rights, etc.
2. Partnership – ASEM is increasingly moving towards a broader-based partnership to address jointly global and regional challenges.
3. Sustainable Growth – We have an interest to strengthen our economies and to pursue structural reforms both in Europe and Asia to underpin economic. We are committed to strengthening mutual trade and investment.
4. Security – There is no growth/development without security in the broader sense – maritime security, non-traditional security, social security, food security, nuclear security, etc. The EU will emphasise its ambition to be seen as a constructive and reliable player in the evolving regional security architecture.