June 02, 2023
Analysis

How the EU fits into North Korea’s current diplomatic rapprochement

Willingness for a new round of pressure if things go wrong is eroding

With South Korean President Moon Jae-in set to arrive in Europe for nine-day visit this weekend, it's worth considering what those in the EU think about the current rapprochement process on the Korean peninsula.

The EU has a clear policy towards North Korea: "critical engagement." The policy mixes carrots in the form of talks or aid with sticks, especially sanctions. Over the past three years, however, the EU has decidedly turned towards sticks as Pyongyang has made rapid progress on its nuclear and long-range missile programs.