Evolution of Europe-North Korea relations: from active engagement to partial rupture 1/2

While the North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile crisis persists in a deadlock, and the reopening of North Korea sparks renewed discussions regarding the potential role of the European Union and its member states on the peninsula, it is imperative to delve into the history of cooperation between Europe and the country since its establishment in 1948.

With this objective in mind, we present two concise briefs. The first predominantly delves into the events of the 1990s and early 2000s, a post-Cold War era characterized by North Korea’s increased international engagement. The second shifts focus to the period from North Korea’s inaugural nuclear test in 2006 through to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.