In a world reshaped by geopolitical rivalry, economic volatility and an accelerating climate crisis, Europe and the Indo-Pacific have emerged with a new-found connection. We have discovered that rather than divide us, these global challenges have bound us more closely together. Pressure on the multilateral system—amplified by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine—and the weaponisation of trade and technology affect us all. These shared challenges demand collective action and trusted partners must stand in solidarity.
When the European Union launched its Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in September 2021, the world looked very different. Four years on, the strategy has paved the way for a stronger, more engaged European presence in the region. We marked this development on 20 and 21 November with the fourth EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels. The forum focused squarely on how we can strengthen stability, prosperity and sustainability while upholding international law, open trade and our shared values.
Australia has been a consistent supporter of the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum since its inception in 2022, when then foreign minister Marise Payne attended the inaugural meeting in Paris. Since then, Australia has participated in each subsequent forum, a strong signal of the reliable partnership between Australia and the EU in the Indo-Pacific region.
During this year’s forum, EU High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas convened a high-level event on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. This underscored the EU’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 also stepping up its contribution to the security of the Indo-Pacific through new security partnerships, regular security dialogues and cooperation on hybrid threats. Already trusted partners, the EU and Australia are looking into forming a security and defence partnership. Cooperation in naval activities such as Operation Aspides and Operation Atalanta, as well as initiatives such as Critical Maritime Routes in the Indo-Pacific aim to ensure freedom of navigation and promote maritime security from Europe to the Indo-Pacific through the Red Sea.
Economic engagement is deepening too. Trade agreements with Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, New Zealand and Kenya have strengthened supply chains and market access. Negotiations have concluded with Indonesia and continue to advance with Australia, India, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. For Australia in particular, an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement would open the door to new opportunities for economic cooperation.
Through the Global Gateway initiative, the EU is delivering sustainable, high-quality infrastructure with partners across the Indo-Pacific, leveraging public and private investment with high environmental and governance standards. In Australia, Global Gateway projects such as Global Port Safety, have already demonstrated the effect of bringing together European and Australian expertise to benefit the wider region.
Together, we are promoting a model of growth that is inclusive, environmentally sustainable 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, South 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.
The EU’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific is about more than just policy; it’s about people. Since 2021, more than 23,000 students and professionals have benefited from EU-funded exchange programmes. The EU’s cultural, educational and health partnerships, alongside Erasmus+ mobility—a program supporting European education, sport and youth—and research collaboration, are building the foundations of lasting friendship and trust between our societies.
At a time of increasing geopolitical fragmentation, partnerships based on trust, respect and mutual benefit are critical. The EU and its 27 member states recently reaffirmed that our strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific is anchored in support for the multilateral system and the rules-based international order. This means full respect for human rights and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity remains fundamental to a stable global future. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine underscores why defending these principles matters to all nations, not only those in Europe.
In an era of growing uncertainty, the EU and its member states remain reliable, long-term partners for Australia and the wider Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels is another important opportunity to deepen cooperation and turn challenges into opportunities for shared peace, resilience and prosperity.