Europe and the Indo-Pacific are becoming increasingly interconnected as global geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and climate pressures intensify. Rather than dividing the two regions, these shared challenges have created a stronger need for cooperation. Since the European Union launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2021, the framework has evolved into a central pillar guiding deeper European engagement. The 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels highlights this growing partnership, with discussions focused on stability, prosperity, sustainability, and the protection of international law and open trade.
A key component of the forum is a high-level meeting on protecting critical maritime infrastructure, reflecting Europe’s commitment to safeguarding essential sea routes and undersea networks. The EU has expanded its security presence in the region through new partnerships, dialogues on hybrid threats, and naval cooperation to ensure freedom of navigation from Europe to the Indo-Pacific, including through the Red Sea.
Economic ties continue to strengthen through multiple trade agreements already in force with Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, New Zealand, and others, while negotiations advance with major partners such as Australia, India, and Thailand. For Laos, which is preparing to transition to middle-income status, the EU is extending duty-free trade preferences for an additional three years, ensuring continued support during its economic shift.
Through the Global Gateway initiative, the EU is investing in sustainable infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific, including projects in Laos that promote green economic development, build local capacity, and improve governance. Environmental cooperation is also expanding, with joint efforts to advance climate resilience, protect biodiversity, and pursue net-zero goals. The EU supports regional initiatives ranging from the Blue Pacific strategy to green alliances and energy transition partnerships in countries like Indonesia and Vietnam.
People-to-people connections form another foundation of the partnership. More than 23,000 students and professionals have participated in EU-funded exchanges since 2021, strengthening cultural, educational, and scientific ties. These exchanges contribute to long-term trust and collaboration between societies.
Amid growing global fragmentation, the EU aims to reinforce a rules-based international order grounded in respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Upholding international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, remains central to its Indo-Pacific engagement. As reliable, long-term partners, the EU and its member states view this week’s Ministerial Forum as an opportunity to deepen cooperation and transform shared challenges into pathways toward peace, resilience, and shared prosperity.
