The European Union and the Philippines have launched a landmark Security and Defense Dialogue, amid the strengthening alliance between China and Russia.
High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo jointly announced the initiative in Manila, emphasizing the shared commitment to a resilient, rules-based international order.
“In today’s complex and contested geostrategic environment, it is more important than ever to build strong partnerships,” Kallas said.
“The European Union is a reliable, predictable, credible, and ambitious partner to the Philippines, and we see strong potential to deepen our cooperation even further,” she added.
Secretary Manalo said this new security platform is a step in the right direction. “Through sustained dialogue and practical cooperation, the Philippines seeks to promote a resilient, rules-based international order that upholds peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” he said.
The inaugural meeting of the Dialogue, which will cover maritime security, cybersecurity, foreign information manipulation, counterterrorism, and crisis response, is tentatively scheduled for the last quarter of 2025.
In the field of maritime security and regional stability, both sides recognize the benefit of continued cooperation of Critical Maritime Routes Indo-Pacific (CRIMARIO II), Copernicus, and Enhancing security cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA Plus).
The parties also express willingness to explore joint activities on connectivity and environmental monitoring, such as exchange of knowledge and best practices on submarine cables and uncrewed vessels.
No to coercion, yes to green collab
Kallas reiterated the EU’s rejection of any unilateral changes to the status quo in the South China Sea, affirming support for international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). “We reject any unilateral changes to the status quo, including the use of coercion,” she said.
The partnership also aims to intensify cooperation on climate change and the green transition under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, with data-sharing through the Copernicus Earth Observation Program and support for the Philippines’ shift to a circular economy.
People-to-people ties remain central, with the EU committing to bolster initiatives like Erasmus scholarships and expand research and innovation partnerships, fostering deeper intercultural connections. Veronica Uy
