Europe and the Indo-Pacific: Partners for a resilient future

Europe and the Indo-Pacific find their futures increasingly interlinked in a world marked by geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty and intensifying strategic competition.

- MASSIMO SANTORO

Challenges ranging from growing pressure on the multilateral system intensified by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, unilateral attempts to undermine the rules-based international order, including at sea, the weaponization of trade and technology, the accelerating climate crisis, are not dividing our regions. They bring us closer together. There is a greater need than ever for collective action to effectively address these common challenges.

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 Nov. 20-21 focused 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 for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, 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.