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Representatives of the European Union and Indo-Pacific countries are meeting in Brussels for the fourth Ministerial Forum, with around 70 participants from EU institutions, Member States, Indo-Pacific countries and regional organizations from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific Island countries.
This year’s conference focuses on the themes of resilience, prosperity and security. Each participant arrives with their own agenda and priorities.
For Philippine Foreign Secretary Teresa Lazaro, the meeting is an opportunity to strengthen maritime cooperation in the face of China’s claims in the South China Sea.
Lazarus welcomed European support in a statement, adding: “We have also received significant support through visits to EU member states and frigate sailings in the South China Sea, which have given a great impetus to relations.”
Manila and China have accused each other of responsibility for clashes and incidents in the disputed waters in recent months. Chinese authorities claim much of the South China Sea, which is disputed by several other countries in the region.
The Philippines said it welcomes EU member states to participate as observers in maritime exercises.
But Manila, which holds the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, hopes to go further at the forum in Brussels.
In Lazarus’ view, the talks are also aimed at defending multilateralism. “The word multilateralism is used everywhere in discussions between ASEAN and the EU,” she said.
Beyond the situation in the Philippines, Lazarus sees this forum as an opportunity to provide perspective on the EU’s position in the Indo-Pacific.