EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum Addresses Economic Security And Digital Connectivity Challenges

The fourth EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum took place in Brussels on 20 and 21 November 2025. Chaired by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the event aimed to strengthen cooperation between the EU and Indo-Pacific partners. Discussions centred on security, economic growth, and sustainability.

Approximately 70 delegations from EU institutions, member states, and Indo-Pacific countries participated. The forum served as a platform for fostering region-to-region collaboration. It highlighted shared goals of enhancing security, prosperity, and resilience through collective efforts.

Participants engaged in three parallel roundtables focusing on security priorities amid geopolitical changes, shared prosperity through economic security, and digital connectivity. These discussions underscored the importance of addressing current challenges collaboratively.

The forum also provided an opportunity to showcase progress since the last meeting in February 2024. Notable achievements included partnerships with Japan and South Korea in security and defence, as well as the conclusion of negotiations on the EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Efforts towards a sustainable future were also highlighted. The EU signed a Clean Trade and Investment Partnership with South Africa. Additionally, financial and technical support was extended to develop the ASEAN Power Grid.

The first-ever EU-Pacific Business Forum was another significant milestone. It resulted in nearly €300 million in new investments and budget support for various initiatives led by EU member states.

Shared Challenges and Opportunities

Europe and the Indo-Pacific are increasingly interconnected due to geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainties. Challenges such as pressures on multilateral systems, trade weaponisation, technological advancements, and climate change are drawing these regions closer together.

The forum emphasised reliance on a rules-based international order. Multilateral institutions play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with agreed norms, which is vital for maintaining accountability.

This collaborative approach reflects a mutual interest in fostering concrete cooperation between regions. By working together, both Europe and the Indo-Pacific aim to lay foundations for an ambitious partnership that addresses common challenges effectively.

With inputs from WAM