Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), in collaboration with the EU Mission to ASEAN, is launching an essay-writing competition under the theme, “Building Bridges, Shaping Futures: Commemorating 5 Years of EU–ASEAN Strategic Partnership.”
The EU–ASEAN Essay Writing Competition invites university students across Southeast Asia to reflect on the past, present, and future of EU–ASEAN cooperation. As we mark the fifth anniversary of the EU–ASEAN Strategic Partnership, this competition offers a platform for students to share their ideas, aspirations, and fresh perspectives on how these two regions can work better together.
Three winners will be selected to take part in a fully funded visit to Jakarta, where they will meet with officials from the EU Mission to ASEAN, ASEAN Secretariat, and FPCI, gaining a behind-the-scenes view of regional diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
ESSAY THEME
“Building Bridges, Shaping Futures: Commemorating 5 Years of EU–ASEAN Strategic Partnership”
Essays must explore how cooperation between the EU and ASEAN can support the region’s journey, focusing on one of the following sectors:
- Political-Security Affairs
- Economic Development
- Socio-Cultural & People-to-People Relations
Guiding Questions:
- How can the EU and ASEAN work together for a more sustainable and green future?
- What role can this partnership play in promoting peace and security in Southeast Asia?
- What does people-to-people cooperation mean to you?
- How can the EU make its initiatives more visible and relevant to young Southeast Asians?
- In what ways can the partnership support digital transformation and inclusive development?
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Be a citizen of any Southeast Asian country (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Viet Nam);
- Be aged 18–23 years old at the time of submission;
- Be a currently enrolled university student (undergraduate level) at an accredited higher education institution in Southeast Asia;
- Be passionate about regional and international cooperation and youth empowerment;
- Be proficient in English (oral and written);
- Submit an original and unpublished essay in English.
ESSAY REQUIREMENTS
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume;
- Length: 1,000–1,500 words (excluding references);
- Language: English
- Format: .doc, 1.5 space, 12pt font, Times New Roman
- Content must include:
- A general assessment of EU-ASEAN relations;
- Identification of one priority area (political-security, economic, or socio-cultural);
- Key challenges your country and/or ASEAN faces in that area;
- Clear and creative recommendations on how EU-ASEAN collaboration can address these challenges.
PROGRAM TIMELINE
| Call for Essays | Wednesday, 23 July 2025 |
| Submission Deadline | Friday, 22 August 2025 |
| Announcement of Winners | Friday, 29 August 2025 |
| Jakarta Visit | September 2025 |
PRIZES
The top 3 winners will receive:
- A fully funded trip to Jakarta, Indonesia;
- Institutional visits to:
- EU Mission to ASEAN
- ASEAN Secretariat
- Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI)
- Opportunities to meet EU and ASEAN officials and foreign policy practitioners;
- A Certificate of Achievement issued by FPCI and the EU Mission to ASEAN;
- Publication opportunity for selected essays on FPCI and EU to ASEAN’s platforms.