Greater Mekong Subregion Forum
Mekong-EU Cooperation and Global Governance: Connectivity, Trade and Sustainable Development
Tentative Date: 12-13 May 2027 | Venue: Paragon International University, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Concept Note:
The Mekong region has become an important focus of regional and global studies because of its strategic
position within ASEAN and its deepening economic and political ties with major powers, including the
European Union, the United States, China and Russia. Rapid growth in connectivity, trade, investment and
infrastructure has created new opportunities for regional integration and participation in global value
chains, while also generating challenges related to geopolitical competition, supply-chain resilience,
environmental sustainability, climate change and development inequalities.
The European Union’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and Global Gateway provide an important framework for examining these developments, emphasizing sustainable connectivity, resilient supply chains, green transitions, digital connectivity and rules-based cooperation.
Against this background, the conference will examine the changing Mekong and ASEAN region within a shifting mutipolar global order, with particular attention the evolving role of the European Union and its engagement with the region. It aims to strengthen research collaboration between European and Mekong institutions, identify emerging research and policy priorities, deepen understanding of how the EU and other major powers engage with the Mekong region and how ASEAN can maintain is centrality, and explore pathways toward a more connected, resilient, inclusive and sustainable Mekong region through stronger EU-Mekong cooperation.
We invite paper proposals on the theme of the conference and below sub-themes.
Suggested Subtheme
- EU–Mekong Trade, Investment and Economic Relations
- EU Global Gateway and Mekong Region
- Connectivity, Economic Corridors (infrastructure and logistics), Regional Integration and Sustainable
Connectivity - Global Value Chains, Supply-Chain Resilience and Sustainability
- Geopolitics, Geoeconomics and Major-Power Competition
- ASEAN Centrality and Regional/Global Governance
- Mekong River Governance, Water Security and Transboundary Cooperation
- Energy Transition, Green Investment and Sustainable Infrastructure
- Digital Economy, Technology, Innovation and Inclusive Development
Publication Opportunity
Palgrave Macmillan has expressed interest in considering the edited book for publication in its book series, Europe-Asia Connectivity, with the Series Editor also expressing interest in the proposed volume. Final acceptance and contracting, however, will be subject to the publisher’s formal review and approval process.
Practical Information
- Registration Fee: No registration fee will be charged..
- Airfare and Accommodation: Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own
travel and accommodation expenses. - Meals: Meals and refreshments will be provided by the conference organizers during the
conference. - Mekong River Dinner Cruise: Following the conference on 13 May 2027, an optional Mekong
River boat tour and dinner will be organized. Interested participants may join at a cost of USD 25
per person, payable by the participant.
Important Dates
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 15 January 2027 |
| Notification of Acceptance: | 20 January 2027 |
| Full Paper Submission | 30 April 2027 |
Submit Papers:
https://forms.gle/b3mL3jdoMADzjaBk9
Jointly organized by PhD in Economics Program, School of Graduate Studies, Paragon International University and Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium