The ASEAN Future Forum 2026 (AFF 2026), scheduled to take place in Ha Noi from June 9-10, is expected to generate fresh perspectives, initiatives and policy recommendations for the ASEAN community-building process, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong.

The second meeting of the 14th Party Central Committee (March 2026) identified strategic autonomy as the central focus and guiding principle of action, closely tied to safeguarding national security, defence, and sustainable economic development in the 2026–2030 period. Nhan Dan Newspaper spoke with Dr Nguyen Dinh Cung, former Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management, to explore this issue further.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam on April 24 held phone talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Strategic autonomy in science and technology is no longer a distant goal but an urgent requirement, now that the foundation is sufficient and the time for action is ripe. With unique advantages such as rare earth elements, tropical forests, and aquatic resources, Viet Nam has the basis to master technology from within, creating a distinct competitive advantage.

The Munich Security Conference 2026, scheduled for February 13–15, is expected to be overshadowed by dark clouds of tension stemming from deep divisions and fractures in the transatlantic alliance between the US and Europe. Once again, the issue of strategic autonomy has emerged as an urgent concern for Europe in an unpredictable world, marked by continual policy shifts from Washington.

The European Union (EU) enters 2026 facing numerous challenges stemming from the multi-layered crises of 2025: internal fractures, the burden of providing financial and military support to Ukraine, and security pressures, among others. With a number of major elections set to take place in 2026 — widely seen as shaping Europe’s geopolitical position — the bloc is placing greater emphasis on strengthening its internal resilience and strategic autonomy.

In 2025, strategic autonomy has become an urgent requirement for the European Union (EU) across multiple fields, from security and defence to economics, trade, and technology. Amid a world marked by volatility, the EU’s desire to reduce dependence, strengthen internal capacity, and enhance its standing is understandable. However, the path to autonomy is not an easy one, as a gap remains between ambition and actual capability.

European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen has just announced the European Union (EU)’s new budget proposal for the 2028–2034 period, with a total value of 2 trillion EUR.