Vietnam – EU Policy Dialogue: Boosting Sustainable Energy
Vietnam – EU Policy Dialogue: Accelerating Sustainable Energy Transition
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) and the European Union (EU) organized a policy dialogue for the SETP Program, promoting sustainable energy transition.
On January 13, 2026, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the European Union (EU) co-chaired the Policy Dialogue Session of the Vietnam – EU Sustainable Energy Transition Program (SETP).
Leadership and Participation The dialogue session was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long and H.E. Mr. Julien Guerrier, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam.
The event was attended by representatives from:
- Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam (MOIT).
- Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industry Promotion (MOIT).
- Ministry of Finance.
- State Bank of Vietnam.
- Relevant agencies and departments.
SETP Program Overview: €142 Million for Green Transition The EU – Vietnam Sustainable Energy Transition Program (SETP), valued at 142 million Euros (EU non-refundable grant), took effect on December 31, 2021, the day the Government of Vietnam signed the corresponding Financing Agreement (ACA/2020/040-898).
Crucial Update (August 2025): On August 6, 2025, the SETP Program was discussed by both sides, agreeing to pass and sign an annex adjusting several disbursement conditions and extending the implementation time of the Financing Agreement until the end of 2027.
Strategic Context:
- Successor Program: SETP follows the Energy Sector Policy Support Program valued at 108 million Euros funded by the EU (non-refundable) for Vietnam in the 2018–2021 period.
- Alignment: The SETP Program was signed when the EU ratified the Vietnam – EU Multi-annual Indicative Programme 2021-2027.
Through this program, the EU will support Vietnam in resolving challenges during the energy transition process. The SETP structure includes:
- Budget Support Component: 121 million Euros.
- Complementary Support Measures: 21 million Euros.
Key Discussions at the Meeting The session served as an important platform for relevant ministries and sectors to exchange views and clarify technical and financial aspects.
- MOIT Leadership: Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long presided over the session, emphasizing the importance of EU support in Vietnam’s net-zero journey.
- EU Delegation: H.E. Mr. Julien Guerrier and the EU delegation engaged in substantive exchanges regarding the program’s progress.
- Specialized Agencies:
- Ms. Nguyen Thi Lam Giang – Director General of the Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industry Promotion (MOIT) – exchanged views with the EU delegation on implementation details.
- Mr. Tang The Hung – Deputy Director General of the Electricity Regulatory Authority – participated in the discussions.
- Financial & Monetary Aspects: Representatives of the State Bank of Vietnam and the Ministry of Finance answered queries from the EU delegation and shared relevant issues regarding disbursement and financial management procedures.
Conclusion and Next Steps The session is an important basis for relevant ministries and sectors to continue implementing specific tasks, aiming to complete commitments in the Financing Agreement signed between Vietnam and the EU.
The dialogue concluded with delegates taking a commemorative photo, marking a continued strong partnership in sustainable development.
