EU’s US$17 million maritime aid for Philippines targets Asian ‘fault lines’

The European Union has upgraded its partnership with the Philippines, signaling a shift in its Indo-Pacific strategy to include security alongside trade. This move indicates Brussels' desire for a greater role in the region, where maritime disputes and challenges to the established order could impact its interests. On Friday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas signed a joint statement on this enhanced partnership. The signing occurred on the sidelines of the Asean foreign ministers’ meeting in Pasay City. This development suggests the EU is seeking to address security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.