The EU and Philippines: Advancing security and stability

As global and regional security challenges intensify, from geopolitical competition to threats against critical infrastructure, the European Union and the Philippines stand together as committed partners in defending the rules-based international order.

- MASSIMO SANTORO

The EU Indo-Pacific Strategy underscores our dedication to peace, multilateralism and stability across the region. This commitment is aligned with our broader vision — an open and secure Indo-Pacific where international law prevails, trade flows freely and maritime routes critical to global commerce remain safe.

In November, the EU convened the 4th EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels, where 70 delegations from across two regions gathered to discuss ways to develop a more resilient, prosperous and secure future. A dedicated session on the Protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure, including submarine cables, underscored the shared challenges facing the EU and the Indo-Pacific. The Philippines is a highly valued actor in this initiative.

Under the project Enhancing the EU’s Security Cooperation In and With Asia and the Indo-Pacific (ESIWA and ESIWA+), the EU and the Philippines discussed last July 2025 collaboration on the protection of critical infrastructure crucial for global communications and economic security. This discussion proved essential in developing joint strategies to bolster the resilience of critical infrastructure, to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives. Following this meeting, we have begun identifying concrete areas where we can deepen this cooperation and outline potential next steps to advance this shared agenda.