Effective enforcement of the EVFTA and the EVIPA: enhancing mutual legal assistance on civil and commercial matters between Vietnam and EU Member States

The EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) mark a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations. They offer Vietnamese businesses expansive access to the European Union market and enhanced investor protection. However, implementing these agreements presents complex legal challenges, particularly regarding mutual legal assistance (MLA). MLA is critical for safeguarding legal rights, facilitating dispute resolution and strengthening economic cooperation. Though Vietnam has MLA treaties with some EU Member States, further collaboration is crucial to meet the demands of comprehensive integration and ensure the effective implementation of the agreements. Strengthening joint MLA activities with EU Member States can effectively address interconnected legal issues. This can be achieved by formulating concrete solutions to refine the existing legal framework and establishing efficient cooperation mechanisms. This pressing need forms the central objective of this article.