President Von der Leyen Unveils Three Pillars of the EU-Indonesia Agreement

Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed a strong commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the European Union and Indonesia through agreements in three areas of cooperation.

This was conveyed by President Von der Leyen in a joint press statement with the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, in the Media Room, European Union Headquarters, Berlaymont Building, Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

In the trade sector, President Von der Leyen announced the achievement of a political agreement on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) between Indonesia and the European Union. This agreement was reached after a decade of negotiations.

"Together, we are sending a strong message about the importance of a long-term, predictable partnership. A partnership built on trust, reciprocity, transparency, and shared values. This new trade agreement will bring significant opportunities for both our nations," he said as quoted from Sekretariat Presiden, Monday, July 14 2025.

"Therefore, this agreement comes at an opportune time. Because this new agreement will open new markets, it will create more opportunities in key industries, businesses, agricultu automotive, and services, which will all benefit significantly," he added.

Next, the second area of focus of the two leaders' discussions concerned geopolitics and security. President Von der Leyen outlined an initiative to elevate bilateral relations between Indonesia and the European Union to the level of a strategic partnership.

"This means a long-term commitment based on trust, reciprocity, and mutual benefit. It will complement the important work we are doing together as part of the EU-ASEAN relationship," said President Von der Leyen.

The third point in strengthening cooperation is people-to-people connectivity. President Von der Leyen announced a new policy in the form of a cascade visa system that will facilitate access for Indonesian citizens to the Schengen area.

"From now on, Indonesian citizens visiting the European Union for the second time will be eligible for a multi-entry Schengen visa. This will facilitate visits, investment, studies, and relations. Essentially, we are building bridges between our peoples," she said.