Leaders from Singapore and the European Union highlighted shared commitments to multilateralism, digital cooperation, trade, and regional stability during the Europe Day 2026 celebrations in Singapore
Hosted by European Union Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Artis Bērtulis and Mrs Esmeralda Bērtule, the reception was held on 6 May 2026 at the Raffles Hotel. The Guest-of-Honour representing the Singapore Government was Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow. The event was also attended by Members of Parliament Nadia Ahmad Samdin and Christopher de Souza, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from the business and civil society sectors.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
Delivering his first Europe Day address in Singapore, Ambassador Bērtulis reflected on the significance of the occasion and the enduring ties between the EU and Singapore amid growing global uncertainty. “Singapore in many ways is a natural partner for Europe. Like the European Union, this nation has built its success on the beliefs that diversity is a strength, that rules create predictability and that prosperity is best shared.”
He emphasised that the partnership extends far beyond trade, highlighting cooperation in digital connectivity, cybersecurity, climate action, maritime security, and sustainable development.
The Ambassador also noted that the EU and Singapore are entering an important period of cooperation as Singapore prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship and as both sides approach the 50th anniversary of the EU–ASEAN Dialogue Partnership in 2027.
“The challenges of our time, geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and the climate crisis, demand that we deepen our cooperation, not retreat from it. The EU and Singapore must continue to lead by example, showing the world that openness and multilateralism are not relics of the past, but the cornerstones of a stable and prosperous future.”
Guest-of-Honour Mr Jeffrey Siow in his speech added a warm and humorous touch to the event, as he opened with a personal anecdote.
“I’m particularly happy to be here at Raffles Hotel this evening, sharing the ambassador I got married here 20 years ago. Coincidentally, after I got married, I jetted off to my honeymoon in Greece.”
Beyond the light-hearted remarks, Minister Siow underscored the strong similarities between Singapore and Europe despite geographical and cultural differences.
“Occasions like this, to get together, should be treasured even more. Singapore and the EU may be far apart geographically and culturally, but we have more in common than one might think.”
The Minister also reaffirmed the strength of bilateral ties, particularly in trade and innovation. He noted that the EU is now Singapore’s second-largest trading partner in services, second-largest source of foreign investment, and largest overseas investment destination as a bloc, following the implementation of the EU–Singapore Free Trade Agreement and the recently enforced EU–Singapore Digital Trade Agreement.
The two national anthems were performed by students from the German European School Singapore.
Closing his speech on a celebratory note, Minister Siow encouraged guests to continue building relationships through informal exchanges.
“Each meeting, each gathering, each interaction is a building block for the foundation of our bilateral relationship.”
At the event, several stalls showcased products from various European Union member states.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
