MAIN PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF FURTHER STRENGTHENING OF POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS BETWEEN VIETNAM AND THE EU

East Asia considered a region in cooperation with which the EU is also interested from the partnership with which it benefits (30-40 % of the EU's trade turnover). At the same time, it is a region of unresolved conflicts and unexpected hot spots, such as, for example, North Korea's nuclear program, relations between China and Taiwan, incidents in the South China Sea, multiple manifestations of separatism, etc. For this reason, strengthening the partnership directly in the region and working to stabilize it are dependent on the strategic interests of the EU, but Vietnam as a strong and predictable power is one of the main partners and can be a kind of bridge in the relationship between ASEAN and the EU. For Vietnam, in its turn, strong ties with the EU have every chance to demonstrate a counterbalance to China, reduce unnecessary interdependence and create the necessary probability of diplomatic maneuvering in the context of, for example, the conflict over the Islands in the South China Sea. The purpose of this article is to consider the main problems and prospects of political and economic relations between Vietnam and the European Union. The aim of the study is to summarize the EU-Vietnam free trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the investment protection Agreement (EVIPA). The research methodology based on the principles of system analysis and interdisciplinary scientific-system approach. Empirical methods (collection, study and comparison of data), methods of comparative and regression analysis and generalization of statistical data, principles of formal logic used to solve the tasks. When processing and systematizing information, multi-sign classifications, grouping methods, and expert assessments used. The theoretical significance of the study lies in the development of ideas and expansion of existing theoretical approaches to the formation of strengthening political and economic relations between Vietnam and the EU. The practical significance lies in the fact that the main provisions and conclusions can be used for seminars, as well as find application in special training courses. The value of the study. The structure of the agreements on the formation of free trade zones between the EU and Vietnam (EVFTA) and on the protection of investments between the EU and Vietnam (EVIPA) revealed the characteristic features of the documents are given. The importance of treaties for the purpose of building subsequent interaction within the framework of the activity of the powers revealed.

problems, prospects, economy, politics, relations, strengthening