As published in The Straits Times
This year marks 60 years of Singapore’s independence – and 75 years since the birth of the European project.
We believe in multilateralism, the rules-based international order and its global institutions.
We uphold fair trade as the basis for shared prosperity. We continue to stand at the forefront of the fight against climate change.
Yet, the world around us is changing rapidly.
When I arrived in September 2021, the pandemic was still a reality. One of my first major tasks was to facilitate the mutual recognition of Covid-19 certificates. This allowed travel to resume in both directions.
In February 2022, when Russia unleashed its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Singapore and the European Union (EU) stood shoulder to shoulder in condemning this violation of international law and the principles we uphold, wherever they were put at risk.
Both of us are adapting to the new political realities – by strengthening our capacity to defend ourselves and by broadening and deepening our network of partners.
Our ties have grown stronger. Singapore is our largest trade and investment partner in South-east Asia, with over €130 billion (S$194 billion) in goods and services exchanged in 2023.
Our free trade agreement, in force for five years, continues to open up new opportunities to deepen and diversify our relationship further. More than 12,000 EU companies have a presence here, serving Singapore and the wider region. In May, we reached another milestone: the signing of the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement.
During my tenure, we welcomed 15 visits by European commissioners. Most recently, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas underlined the interconnectedness of the security challenges Europe and Asia face, and presented the EU’s offer of reliable partnerships on trade, innovation, green transition and security.
My team and I have also worked to promote European culture in creative, fresh and innovative ways connecting Singapore and Asean with Europe through the arts.
I have had the privilege of witnessing key moments: the inauguration of a new prime minister, the election of a new president, a general election, the ongoing SG60 celebrations, and even a visit by the late Pope Francis.
My family and I enjoyed learning about Singapore’s fascinating culture and discovering its nature.
Above all, we have treasured the warmth, the strength of character, and the professionalism of our Singaporean colleagues and friends, who have made our life and work a joy and a privilege.
Allow me, therefore, to say my thanks to colleagues across Singapore’s ministries and public service, to the business community, the academics, journalists, artists and innovators – and so many inspiring women leaders, to Team Europe, our member states, businesses and chambers of commerce, to my friends in the wider diplomatic community, and to my team at the EU Delegation.
Above all: Thank you, Singapore, for having been home, truly.
Iwona Piorko