S. Korea seeks EU role in minerals partnership, help easing regulatory burdens on Korean firms | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK SEOUL, March 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Wednesday expressed hope that the European Union (EU) will play an active role in a multilateral framework on critical minerals and minimize the impact of its green regulatory package on Korean businesses, the foreign ministry said. Park Jong-han, deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, made the call in his talks with Erik Kurzweil, managing director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), during the South Korea-EU Joint Commission, the ministry said. Park Jong-han (R), deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, shakes hands with Erik Kurzweil, managing director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service, during the 22nd South Korea-European Union Joint Commission at the foreign ministry in Seoul on March 18, 2026, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) elly@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #S Korea #EU #economic talks Articles with issue keywords Most Liked 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert (2nd LD) N. Korea seeks EU role in minerals partnership, help easing regulatory burdens on Korean firms Next S.

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SEOUL, March 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Wednesday expressed hope that the European Union (EU) will play an active role in a multilateral framework on critical minerals and minimize the impact of its green regulatory package on Korean businesses, the foreign ministry said.
Park Jong-han, deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, made the call in his talks with Erik Kurzweil, managing director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), during the South Korea-EU Joint Commission, the ministry said.
The commission was established in 2001 as a diplomatic dialogue channel on economic and trade issues. Since 2012, its scope has expanded to cover broader areas, including political, social and cultural issues.
The two sides agreed on the need to further strengthen strategic cooperation amid global supply chain instability and a changing economic security environment, the ministry said.
In that regard, Park asked for the EU's active cooperation in the U.S.-led Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement initiative on critical mineral supply chains, also known as FORGE.
Park also called on the EU to ensure that its proposed and existing industrial regulations and green policies, including new tariff rates and carbon emissions rules for imported goods, are implemented in a predictable manner with a minimal negative trade impact on Korean businesses.
They also agreed to continue efforts to further bolster cooperation in science and technology, digital and innovation, and climate change.
Park Jong-han (R), deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, shakes hands with Erik Kurzweil, managing director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service, during the 22nd South Korea-European Union Joint Commission at the foreign ministry in Seoul on March 18, 2026, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)
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S. Korea seeks EU role in minerals partnership, help easing regulatory burdens on Korean firms

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- They also agreed to continue efforts to further bolster cooperation in science and technology, digital and innovation, and climate change.

### Areas for Consideration
- Park Jong-han (R), deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, shakes hands with Erik Kurzweil, managing director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service, during the 22nd South Korea-European Union Joint Commission at the foreign ministry in Seoul on March 18, 2026, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) elly@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #S Korea #EU #economic talks Articles with issue keywords Most Liked 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert (2nd LD) N.

### Implications
- OK SEOUL, March 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Wednesday expressed hope that the European Union (EU) will play an active role in a multilateral framework on critical minerals and minimize the impact of its green regulatory package on Korean businesses, the foreign ministry said.
- Park also called on the EU to ensure that its proposed and existing industrial regulations and green policies, including new tariff rates and carbon emissions rules for imported goods, are implemented in a predictable manner with a minimal negative trade impact on Korean businesses.
- They also agreed to continue efforts to further bolster cooperation in science and technology, digital and innovation, and climate change.
- Park Jong-han (R), deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, shakes hands with Erik Kurzweil, managing director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service, during the 22nd South Korea-European Union Joint Commission at the foreign ministry in Seoul on March 18, 2026, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) elly@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #S Korea #EU #economic talks Articles with issue keywords Most Liked 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert (2nd LD) N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, ministry, economic topics. Notable strengths include discussion of korea. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 480.