EU and Philippines launch security and defense dialogue

On June 1-2, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas visited the Philippines. Her visit underscored the shared support of the EU and the Philippines for upholding a rules-based international order and enhancing regional security.

The central highlight of High Representative Kallas’ visit was the announcement, together with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, of the establishment of a dedicated Security and Defense Dialogue. The inaugural meeting of a Dialogue is set to take place in the last quarter of 2025.

During her visit, EU High Representative (HRVP) Kallas had substantive discussions with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año. She also visited the Philippine Coast Guard, where she embarked on the BRP Teresa Magbanua, and had a substantive discussion with Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan. She engaged with students from De La Salle University and representatives from civil society organizations.

These exchanges highlighted the importance of having an inclusive dialogue for policy shaping and underscored the commitment to supporting democratic values and human rights.

With the establishment of the Security and Defense Dialogue, the EU and the Philippines have taken a decisive step to fortify their already strong bilateral partnership. The launch of this dialogue comes at an important time, with a global security environment which is becoming increasingly complex and fragile. It is important to work together to preserve peace and stability in the region.

The EU reaffirmed its support for the primacy of international law – most notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy reiterates our interest in preserving freedom of navigation and ensuring open sea lanes for trade, stability and mutual prosperity.

In the current complex geopolitical environment, the EU-Philippines Security and Defense Dialogue will become a structured mechanism through which both sides can engage in exchanges and cooperation in security and defense areas, including maritime security. It is also a platform for exploring future areas of cooperation, including joint training, technical assistance and multilateral initiatives.

The dialogue will also focus on enhanced cooperation on cybersecurity and countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). As cyber threats grow in complexity and size, both the EU and the Philippines acknowledge that digital infrastructure must be protected against attacks that threaten national security, democratic institutions, as well as economic and political stability.

The EU and the Philippines, like many democracies, will work together against online disinformation campaigns, electoral interference, cyber and hybrid attacks targeting critical infrastructure.

Through this dialogue, the EU and the Philippines will explore opportunities for technical cooperation, information-sharing, early warning systems and capacity-building. Joint efforts in cybersecurity and countering disinformation will ensure that both our societies remain open, free and safeguarded against malign influence in the digital space.

The establishment of the Security and Defense Dialogue marks a new chapter in EU-Philippines relations. It reflects our shared vision of a peaceful and stable world based on the rules-based international order. The EU is committed to being a reliable and long-term partner for the Philippines.

Our engagement is not transactional; it is based on shared values and mutual respect. Whether in trade, climate action, sustainable development or security, our relationship is based on the belief that global challenges require collective responses.

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Massimo Santoro is the European Union Ambassador to the Philippines.