Leaders of Australia and New Zealand have attend only their second Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit in Laos this November. With this in mind, it is an important time to question how both countries can best position themselves in their relations with a wider Asia and Europe. With the sovereign debt crisis a lingering risk in Europe and Asia’s rise continuing, all be it at a slower pace, it is important to ask how best to respond? How have views of the EU shifted in this uncertain time? And, how does the rising importance of Asia affect its outlook?
In response to these questions, the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), organised briefing events in Wellington (7 November) and Canberra (9 November) to examine the mutual perceptions of Asia and the EU in this changing global landscape. The briefings analyse the outcomes of the unique study, “The EU through the Eyes of Asia” which examines media, public and opinion leader perceptions of the “EU” in 10 countries across Asia including both Australia and New Zealand.
The study provides unique insights into the relations between the Asia-Pacific and the EU in this era of economic uncertainty and shifting global power. The “EU through the Eyes of Asia”, has analysed over 8,000 news items, interviewed over 300 opinion leaders and surveyed over 10,000 public respondents on their perceptions of the EU. The research gives an understanding of how the EU is perceived by a wide-section of civil society across the Asia Pacific, providing insights into the importance of the EU for its external partners.
In addition, the seminar featured a presentation on a mirror study, ‘Asia in the Eyes of Europe’, which tracked and analysed the perception of a ‘Asia’ in 8 EU member states. Using a similar methodology, the research offers a unique insight into the perception of Asia’s rise through various lenses.
For an insight into the studies, see the presentations in the document section.
To view the presentations from New Zealand, see www.euanz.tv
