Key Outcomes of President Prabowo's Visit to Europe

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Union headquarters, the Berlaymont Building in Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Prabowo's official visit was in response to an invitation from President Ursula von der Leyen, and he also met with other senior European Union officials. This meeting marks a major milestone, paving the way for broader market access opportunities and strategic cooperation between Indonesia and the European Union across various sectors in the future.

What Were the Results of Prabowo's Visit to Europe?

1. Acceleration of IEU-CEPA Settlement

The meeting focused on accelerating the finalization of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA). This comprehensive economic partnership agreement has now entered its 19th round of negotiations.

"Today, we have reached a breakthrough. After 10 years of negotiations, we have agreed on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, essentially a free trade agreement. We have reached many agreements that accommodate the economic interests of both sides and are mutually beneficial," said President Prabowo in a joint press release after the meeting, as quoted from the State Cabinet Secretary's website setkab.go.id on Sunday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the progress, expressing her belief that the partnership between the European Union and Indonesia will strengthen in the future. She also highlighted the shared values and aspirations between Indonesia and the European Union.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Doc. commission.europa.eu

2. Future Cooperation and Investment  

President Ursula von der Leyen noted that the combined population of Indonesia and the European Union totals 730 million people, with Indonesia being a key supplier of essential goods to Europe. However, Indonesia currently ranks fifth among ASEAN nations in terms of receiving the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) from the European Union, and it also remains the EU's fifth-largest trading partner in Southeast Asia.

Therefore, von der Leyen expressed optimism that substantial untapped potential remains. She believes the IEU-CEPA between Indonesia and the European Union can unlock new business opportunities and foster greater investment cooperation between both parties.

3. Discussion of the United States Tariff Policy

As quoted from CNA, von der Leyen's speech also addressed the tariff policy implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump. von der Leyen stated that Brussels would continue to delay retaliation against the United States' tariffs on steel and aluminum in an effort to reach an agreement and avoid a broader 30 percent duty.

U.S. President Donald Trump, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, disrupted months of exhaustive negotiations by announcing that he would impose substantial tariffs on the 27-country bloc if no deal was reached by August 1.

"The United States has sent us a letter with measures that would come into effect unless there is a negotiated solution, so we will therefore also extend the suspension of our countermeasures until early August," von der Leyen said as reported by CNA on Sunday.

"At the same time, we will continue to prepare for the countermeasures so we're fully prepared," she added.

4. The European Union's Readiness to Respond to Donald Trump's Policies

The European Union's suspension of retaliatory action against U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum was set to expire on Monday night. Brussels had prepared import duties on U.S. goods worth approximately 21 billion euros (US$24 billion) in response to the levies Trump imposed on metal imports earlier this year.

However, in April, the government announced a delay in these measures to create space for finding a broader trade deal with the Trump administration.

"Since the very beginning, we have worked and now are ready to respond with countermeasures. We've prepared for this, and we can respond with countermeasures if necessary," von der Leyen said.

Editor's Choice: After Bastille Day Appearance, Prabowo Concludes European Visit

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Trump Lowers Tariff to 19 Percent, but Experts Say Indonesia Still at a Loss

4 jam lalu

Trump Announces $15 Billion Energy Deal, 50 Boeing Jets for Indonesia

4 jam lalu

After Bastille Day Appearance, Prabowo Concludes European Visit

5 jam lalu

Top 5 Best Summer Destinations in Europe to Escape the Heat

16 jam lalu

Trump Claims "Great" Trade Deal Reached with Indonesia After Talks with Prabowo

16 jam lalu

Observer: Prabowo's Foreign Hospital Plan Welcomed, But Under Great Scrutiny

20 jam lalu

After Elysee Meeting, Prabowo Confirms France Backs Two-State Solution

20 jam lalu

EU Proposes 72 Billion Euro in Counter Tariffs Against U.S.

20 jam lalu

Indonesian Gov't Opens Door to Foreign Hospitals: 3 Things to Consider

1 hari lalu

Europe's Red Line: It's Politicians Versus People Over Gaza

1 hari lalu