By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora and Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – The Philippines and the European Union (EU) have agreed to establish a dialogue to deepen cooperation on defense and security, aimed at combating emerging challenges such as cyber threats, foreign interference and information manipulation.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and EU’s chief diplomat, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, made the announcement following a lunch meeting in Makati City on Monday.
Manalo said this mechanism will provide a platform for the Philippines and the EU to discuss security and defense-related issues with more depth and regularity.
“As like-minded partners committed to a rules-based international order, we hope that through the security and defense dialogue, we will remain proactive and united in addressing emerging security threats and challenges that transcend borders,” said Manalo.
Kallas said the dialogue will allow exchange of expertise and explore possible joint initiatives on security and defense “that contribute to the regional as well as global security.”
“Our work will be comprehensive and will include maritime security, cyber security, foreign information manipulation and interference, counterterrorism, crisis response and more,” she said.
The two top diplomats said this new dialogue marks another milestone in the Philippine-EU relations, which Kallas said is growing on a “positive trajectory.”
No date has been set on when the first meeting will be convened.
One of the most recently established sub-committee meetings the Philippines and EU have established under their Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is on maritime concerns.
Over the weekend, the Philippines reaffirmed and advanced its defense ties with key European partners during a series of high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
“Secretary Teodoro met separately with H.E. Kaja Kallas of the European Union, French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, UK Minister of State for Defense Lord Coaker, Swedish Minister for Defense Pål Jonson, and Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Dovilė Šakalienė,” DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement over the weekend.
Discussions highlighted mutual interest in enhancing cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity, defense industry development, capability development and upholding a rules-based international order underpinned by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
The EU and the Philippines agreed to pursue a structured security dialogue focused on shared challenges and regional stability.
France reaffirmed its deepening strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific and committed to advancing joint military activities and the negotiation of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the UK emphasized stronger cooperation through upcoming naval deployments and further defense education exchanges.
Sweden and the Philippines explored future joint military training and ship visits, with both officials acknowledging the need to counter disinformation operations and protect sea lines of communication.
Meanwhile, Lithuania and the Philippines underscored cooperation among like-minded small states, citing recent cyber defense engagements and shared interest in defense technology collaboration.
The meetings reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to deepening defense partnerships with European nations that support peace, security and sovereignty in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. (PNA)
