by Javier Delgado Rivera

May marked the 10th anniversary of official relations between the European Union (EU) and North Korea. Initially seeming a promising relationship, it soon revealed its wobbly foundations when, after just one year, Pyongyang’s violation of its commitments to the International Atomic Energy Agency brought dialogue to a sudden end. Today, North Korea’s nuclear manoeuvres remain an issue of consternation in the EU, holding the key to unlock Brussels ties with Pyongyang.

Europe’s dissatisfaction with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) boiled over in late 2006. As the country first tested its nuclear capabilities, the European