12/08/2026
Interview Series with Ambassadors to the Republic of Korea: The Austrian & Swedish Ambassadors
Ambassador Eva Marie Russek has served as Austria’s Ambassador to Korea since September 2025. She studied law in Graz, worked as a research assistant at Rutgers University Law School (USA), and graduated from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. She began her diplomatic career at the Austrian Embassy in The Hague and subsequently held several positions in the Austrian Foreign Ministry, including at Austria’s Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels. She later served as Foreign Policy Adviser and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry. Before taking up her post in Seoul, she was Chief of Protocol at the Austrian Parliament.
The partnership between the Republic of Korea and the European Union has continued to deepen across a wide range of fields. In your view, what achievement best represents the current Korea-EU relationship, and in which areas should the partnership develop further?
The EU-Republic of Korea relationship has made a visible leap in recent years from policy to action. At the 11th EU-Korea Summit in Brussels in June 2026, both sides signed the EU-ROK Digital Trade Agreement and simultaneously launched a new Competitiveness Partnership together with a High-Level Economic Dialogue, deepening cooperation on economic security, trade and industrial policy. This builds i.a. on the Free Trade Agreement that entered into force in 2011 – one of the EU’s most ambitious trade deals – as well as on the EU-ROK Digital Partnership launched in November 2022.
Looking ahead, I believe the greatest potential lies in translating this political architecture into concrete industrial cooperation: semiconductors, secure and diversified supply chains, AI governance, and clean-tech value chains – areas where Korea’s manufacturing scale and the EU’s regulatory and research strength are highly complementary.
At a time of increasing uncertainty in the international order, what roles can the Republic of Korea and European countries play together in promoting peace, security, democracy, and a rules-based international order?
At the June 2026 Summit, EU and Korean leaders explicitly reaffirmed that their partnership reflects shared values, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, democracy, human rights, and open, free and fair trade. As two of the world’s leading trading democracies with no territorial disputes between them, Korea and EU countries share an interest in defending multilateralism, non-proliferation, and a predictable, rules-based trading system at a time when both are exposed to coercive economic pressure and the “weaponization” of supply chains.
Austria brings a particular profile to this effort: as host to the IAEA, the OSCE, and numerous other UN bodies, Vienna has for decades been Europe’s central hub for arms-control and non-proliferation diplomacy. This tradition of mediation and active neutrality is one Austria will also bring to the UN Security Council in 2027/2028, where it intends to focus on the protection of civilians, strengthening peacekeeping operations, and defending the international legal order.
The Republic of Korea and Austria commemorated the 130th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2022, following the establishment of their strategic partnership in 2021. In your view, what has been the most significant development in bilateral relations in recent years, and what should be the next priority for the partnership?
The past five years have been the most active period in the more-than-130-year history of Austria-Korea relations. President Moon Jae-in visited Austria in June 2021 (the first Korean president ever to do so since diplomatic relations were established in 1892) and the relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership on that occasion. This momentum carried through the 130th-anniversary commemorations in 2022 and culminated in a dense visit diplomacy in 2023: Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited Austria in May 2023, followed by Foreign Minister Park Jin’s visit to Salzburg in July 2023, where he noted that the two countries had posted record-high trade volumes for two consecutive years.
The next priority, in my view, is to convert this dense political calendar into deeper economic and technological substance, particularly in future industries such as semiconductors, EV batteries, hydrogen and AI, where both governments have already signaled intent.
Austria is known for its strong base of highly specialized small and medium-sized enterprises, often described as ‘hidden champions,’ as well as its expertise in environmental and renewable energy technologies. Which industries or green technology sectors offer the greatest potential for expanded cooperation with Korean companies?
Austria’s environmental technology sector generates billions of Euros every year, while exporting nearly 72% of its output, making it one of the most internationalized segments of the Austrian economy. A concrete example of a “hidden champion” is Ochsner, a family-run heat-pump manufacturer supplying clients including IKEA and REWE and exporting around 70% of its output, including to Asia. Styria’s “Green Tech Valley” alone hosts around 300 climate-technology and circular-economy firms.
The sectors with the clearest potential for Korean cooperation are, first, green hydrogen; second, heat pumps and building-efficiency technology; and third, waste, water and circular-economy technology — an area where Austrian SMEs are already global exporters.
Cooperation in science, technology & future-oriented industries, including semiconductors, hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy, is becoming increasingly important. How do you envision joint research and technological cooperation between Austria and the Republic of Korea developing in the coming years?
Austria and Korea have an established bilateral scientific and technological cooperation agreement, under which the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Programme between Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalization and Korea’s National Research Foundation (NRF) funds two-year joint research projects along with mobility grants. This cooperation is currently being complemented by a dedicated funding track between Austria’s Science Fund and the NRF for projects in artificial intelligence, quantum research and biotechnology.
Given Korea’s strength in applied technologies and advanced manufacturing, and Austria’s internationally recognized excellence in fundamental research and highly specialized industrial innovation, I see considerable potential for expanding joint research in hydrogen technologies, next-generation semiconductor materials, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and AI safety. Building on the expertise of Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) and its HyCentA Research Centre for Hydrogen, as well as Austria’s broader research ecosystem, both countries are well positioned to translate scientific excellence into industrial innovation.
Ambassador Karl-Olof Andersson has served as Sweden’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea since August 2024. He holds degrees in business and languages from Lund University and in international studies and political science from Johns Hopkins University. He also served as a fellow at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. During his diplomatic career, he held positions at the Swedish embassies in Athens, Berlin, Tallinn, Pyongyang, and Beijing, including as Ambassador to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and as Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission in China. At Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, he served as Deputy Director for Asia and the Pacific and later held senior advisory positions. Before taking up his post in Seoul, he served as Consul General of Sweden in the Åland Islands, Finland.
Could you briefly introduce yourself and Sweden to our readers? Since arriving in the Republic of Korea as Ambassador, what experience or aspect of Korean society has been particularly memorable to you?
I serve as the Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Korea, committed to further strengthening the partnership between our two countries. Sweden is a nation built on innovation, sustainability, and openness. Since arriving in Korea almost two years ago, I have been deeply impressed by the high level of education, the rapid adoption of digital technologies, and the strong civic engagement that characterize Korean society. These qualities highlight the significant potential for future cooperation between our countries.
The partnership between the Republic of Korea and the European Union has continued to deepen across a wide range of fields. In your view, what achievement best represents the current Korea-EU relationship, and in which areas should the partnership develop further?
Among the most notable achievements in Korea-EU relations are the institutionalized strategic partnership and the successful implementation of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement. Our cooperation spans trade, climate action, digital transformation, and supply-chain resilience. Looking ahead, I see growing opportunities in security and defense cooperation, carbon-neutral technologies, AI and digital governance, and economic security.
At a time of increasing uncertainty in the international order, what roles can the Republic of Korea and European countries play together in promoting peace, security, democracy, and a rules-based international order?
Korea and European countries share a strong commitment to a rules-based international order, democratic values, and global stability. Together, we can contribute meaningfully to addressing nuclear and security challenges, strengthening economic security, and advancing cyber resilience, sustainability, and climate security. These areas represent essential pillars of our shared responsibility.
What role can exchange among universities, research institutions, students, and younger generations play in strengthening the long-term foundations of relations between the Republic of Korea and European countries?
Academic cooperation and youth exchanges form a vital foundation for long-term relations. Joint research projects, Erasmus+ programs, and youth innovation initiatives enable both sides to share knowledge and deepen cultural understanding. Korea’s participation in Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation framework, further expands opportunities for collaboration in cutting-edge fields such as climate science; digital technologies, including AI; health; and advanced manufacturing. These platforms help build the human capital that will shape future cooperation between our regions.
Additionally, Europe is a space defined by openness, diversity, and collaboration. In a rapidly changing global environment, Europe offers Korean youth wide-ranging opportunities for study, research, entrepreneurship, and cultural exploration. Cross-border cooperation and mutual understanding are essential to addressing global challenges, and young people are at the center of this effort.
Sweden’s medical support during the Korean War and its continuing role in the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission form a unique historical foundation for bilateral relations. How can this legacy be connected to a more future-oriented partnership between Sweden and the Republic of Korea?
Sweden’s medical support during the Korean War and its continued role in the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) have established a foundation of cooperation and trust between our countries. This legacy naturally connects to future cooperation in peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, confidence-building mechanisms, and conflict prevention. Sweden stands ready to contribute its experience in mediation, facilitation, and peace diplomacy to support stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Sweden and South Korea are industrial and innovation-driven economies with strong capabilities in telecommunications, batteries, electrification, green steel, and advanced manufacturing. Where do you see the greatest opportunities for joint investment and technology cooperation?
Sweden and Korea are industrial nations with innovation-driven economies and complementary strengths. Significant opportunities exist in batteries and electric-vehicle ecosystems, green steel and low-carbon manufacturing, 5G/6G telecommunications, life sciences, the defense industry, and AI-enabled industrial innovation. Joint R&D, investment partnerships, and cooperation on resilient supply chains can further enhance our shared competitiveness.
Both countries are working to combine climate goals with industrial competitiveness. How can they cooperate in industrial decarbonization, circular economy models, clean transport, energy storage, and sustainable urban development?
Sweden leads in carbon-neutral industrial models and circular-economy policies, while Korea excels in rapid technological commercialization. Together, we can advance industrial decarbonization technologies, recycling and reuse systems, electric mobility, energy-storage solutions, and sustainable urban development. These areas offer strong potential for joint projects.
Sweden has a strong ecosystem linking universities, research institutes, startups, and global companies. What measures could expand joint research, student mobility, innovation programs, and collaboration among young entrepreneurs in the two countries?
Sweden’s innovation ecosystem, linking universities, research institutes, startups, global companies, and relevant government agencies, provides a strong platform for cooperation with Korea. Establishing joint research centers, expanding student and researcher mobility, developing shared incubation programs, and creating fellowships for young innovators are practical steps that can deepen collaboration.
Swedish design, music, literature, film, and social innovation are familiar to many South Koreans, but often as separate images. What public diplomacy initiatives could present a more connected and contemporary understanding of Swedish society and culture?
Sweden has actively engaged Korean audiences through diverse projects in film, music, literature, design, and architecture. A notable example is the Swedish Film Festival, which has served as an important cultural bridge between our countries for more than a decade. This year, the 15th edition begins on 8 September at Art House Momo in Seoul, followed by screenings on 10 September at the Busan Cinema Center, as well as events in Incheon and Daegu. Through this initiative, we aim to showcase Sweden’s creativity, social values, and cultural diversity. Activities such as this deepen mutual understanding and highlight Sweden’s contemporary cultural landscape.
Interviews conducted via email by Hayann Lee (Deputy Director, HUFS Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence)
