Greening Development: Examining The Impact of European Union Economic Cooperation on Vietnam’s Environmental Sustainability

In recent years, economic cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Vietnam has played a crucial role in shaping Vietnam’s path toward sustainable development, particularly through trade agreements and environmental commitments. However, the environmental impact of this cooperation remains under debate. This paper investigates whether economic ties with the EU lead to greener development in Vietnam. Particular attention is paid to the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and recent EU policies like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and fisheries control system. While the research suggests that EU cooperation has contributed to a greener trajectory for Vietnam’s development, challenges are also explored.