EU Council approves EU India Pacific Cooperation Strategy

The EU Council approved the EU Indo Pacific Cooperation Strategy, stating that the EU intends to strengthen its strategic focus, presence and action in the Indo Pacific region, which is of great strategic significance to the interests of the EU. Its purpose is to contribute to regional stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development at a time when the region is facing increasing challenges and tensions.

Cooperation between the EU and the Indo Pacific region will be based on upholding democracy, human rights, the rule of law and respect for international law. Current developments in the Indo Pacific region have led to intense geopolitical competition, increased tensions in trade and supply chains, as well as in the areas of technology, politics and security, and challenges to human rights. These developments increasingly threaten the stability and security of the region and even the world, and directly affect the interests of the EU. Therefore, the EU's participation will focus on establishing a rule-based international order, a fair competition environment and an open and fair trade and investment environment, coping with climate change and supporting the interconnection between India, Thailand and the EU. The EU will work with India Pacific partners on these issues of common concern.

The EU will continue to develop partnerships in the field of security and defense, including addressing maritime security, malicious cyber activities, false information, emerging technologies, terrorism and organized crime. The EU and its regional partners will also work together to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and human beings, and to ensure that the socio-economic recovery is inclusive and sustainable.