The relationship between Cambodia and the European Union (EU) is a multi-dimensional partnership that links Southeast Asia and Europe. It began as a humanitarian and post-conflict engagement in early 1990s and has gradually transformed into a complex and strategic partnership shaped by diplomatic and political dialogue, economic integration, development cooperation, and socio-cultural exchange. This transformation saw Cambodia go from a fragile post-conflict nation to a peaceful one while simultaneously becoming an emerging market economy. The EU’s role has also grown within the region; it has increasingly emerged not only as a normative actor but also a developmental and geopolitical one.
Cambodia-EU relations have undergone significant transformation. What started as a donor-recipient relationship has gradually become a more dynamic and multi-dimensional one. The chapters below have explored these dimensions in greater depth. The future of Cambodia-EU relations will depend heavily on the balance between idealism and pragmatism. Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether both sides can remain flexible
and mutually beneficial in this relationship.
