Europe and the Indo-Pacific: Partners for a Resilient Future
When the European Union launched its Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in September 2021, the world looked different. Four years on, the Strategy has become the backbone of a stronger, more engaged European presence in the region. The 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels on 20-21 November is focusing on our cooperation to support our joint stability, prosperity and sustainability, while upholding international law, open trade and shared values.
Within the Forum, the EU High Representative/ Vice-President will convene a high-level event on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. This underscores Europe’s commitment to working with Indo-Pacific partners to safeguard vital sea lanes and undersea networks that underpin global stability and connectivity.
The EU is stepping up its contribution to the security of the Indo-Pacific through new security partnerships and regular security dialogues, including on hybrid threats. Cooperation in naval activities such as Operation ASPIDES and Operation ATALANTA, as well as initiatives such as Critical Maritime Routes in the Indo-Pacific (CRIMARIO) aiming to ensure freedom of navigation and promote maritime security from Europe to the Indo-Pacific through the Red Sea.
Trade agreements with Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, New Zealand, and Kenya have already deepened economic integration, while negotiations have concluded with Indonesia and are advancing with Australia, India, Thailand, the Philippines, among others.
The EU’s Global Gateway initiative is delivering sustainable, high-quality infrastructure, working hand in hand with partners in the region and involving the private sector.
The EU’s Global Gateway initiative is delivering sustainable, high-quality infrastructure, working hand in hand with partners in the region and involving the private sector. In Papua New Guinea, one example that we have already implemented is the EU-STREIT programme, where we funded sustainable agricultural production together with supporting and climate-proof transport and energy infrastructure in the East and West Sepik. This included the installation of off-grid solar energy generation, clearing of waterways, rehabilitation of rural airstrips and roads allowing producers to access markets with their goods. We are actively preparing two major Global Gateway projects: one aims at renovating and greening the port of Rabaul, the other at expanding water supply services to some urban areas and improving the efficiency of water distribution in Port Moresby.
Together, we are promoting a model of growth that is environmentally sustainable, inclusive, and climate resilient. The EU also shares the Indo-Pacific’s ambition for a green and blue future. From supporting the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent to advancing Green Alliances with Japan, Kenya, Philippines, Republic of Korea and 15 Pacific Island countries as well as Just Energy Transition Partnerships with Indonesia, South Africa and Vietnam. Europe stands with Indo-Pacific nations in their efforts to build climate resilience, protect biodiversity, and achieve net zero by 2050.
Europe’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific is not only about policies but also about people. Over 23,000 students and professionals have already benefited from EU-funded exchanges since 2021. The EU’s cultural, educational, and health partnerships and Erasmus+ mobility and research collaboration are building the foundations of lasting friendship and trust between our societies.
In an increasingly fragmented and polarised geopolitical environment, building and consolidating partnerships that reduce our common vulnerabilities and strengthen our mutual resilience are central pillars of the EU’s vision and engagement in the world.
The EU and its 27 Member States have recently reaffirmed that the EU’s strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific aims to uphold the multilateral system and the rules-based international order with full respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries remains the cornerstone of a future stable and peaceful world. Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine is a stark reminder of the fundamental importance of standing up for international law together.
In an era of growing uncertainty, the EU and its Member States are reliable, long-term partners. The Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels this week will be another opportunity to deepen our cooperation and work together to turn today’s challenges into opportunities for shared peace, resilience and prosperity.