Vietnam and the European Union elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership on Thursday, during a visit to Hanoi by European Council President António Costa, marking Vietnam’s highest level of diplomatic engagement. This upgrade comes as both parties seek to adjust their trade strategies amid global financial disruptions caused by US tariff pressures. With this enhancement, the EU will now hold the same diplomatic status as the United States, China, and Russia. The EU is Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner, third-largest export market, and fifth-largest import source. The two sides had previously signed a free trade agreement in 2020.