EU Indo-Pacific Strategy
Launched in September 2021, the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is the guiding framework that shapes the European Union's engagement with the Indo-Pacific region spanning from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific Islands.
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The EU & the Indo-Pacific strategy
The European Union and Indo-Pacific regions share a stake in each other's prosperity and security. The Indo-Pacific region is of key strategic importance to the EU, both economically and geopolitically. Our futures are highly interconnected and interdependent.
Given today’s complex geopolitical environment, cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners is essential. The EU prioritizes upholding a rules-based international order, based on the UN Charter, and promoting responsible international cooperation.
By working closely with Indo-Pacific nations, the EU aims to address global challenges and reinforce stability, security, and shared prosperity in the region.
The EU Indo-Pacific strategy promotes effective rules-based multilateralism, an open and fair environment for trade and investment, while supporting connectivity with the EU. Close cooperation is key in order to achieve sustainable economic growth while ensuring the diversification of supply chains and resilience in the face of economic shocks and disruption.
- Follow the link to download the joint communication about the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific (PDF)
- Follow the link for Council Conclusions EU Strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific (PDF)
The seven key priorities
The EU Indo-Pacific Strategy focuses on seven key priority areas:
- Sustainable and inclusive prosperity
- Green transition
- Ocean governance
- Digital governance and partnerships
- Connectivity
- Security and defence
- Human security.
These priorities collectively underpin the EU's commitment to building resilient partnerships that promote peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The EU and its Indo-Pacific partners have advanced concrete cooperation across all seven priority areas. Find out more in the boxes below.
The EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, launched in 2021 and repeated in 2022 and 2023, serves as a platform to deepen partnerships, laying the groundwork for greater cooperation across these priority areas.
To learn more about the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy follow the link to download the factsheet (PDF): EU Indo-Pacific Strategy Factsheet.
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Ministerial Forums
Ministerial Forums are high-level exchanges about EU-Indo Pacific cooperation. The EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum is a high-level meeting to exchange ideas and views on cooperation between the regions. Since the beginning of the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2021, EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forums have become a regular fixture. They are an important platform to lay the groundwork for deeper ties, stronger partnerships and greater cooperation and collaboration between the EU and Indo-Pacific nations.
- Follow the link to learn more about EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forums
Sustainable prosperity
The EU and its partners in the Indo-Pacific region are collaborating to enhance trade connections and diversify supply chains for sustainable and inclusive prosperity. Follow the link below to learn more about Sustainable Prosperity.
Green transition
Working with partners in the Indo-Pacific, the EU hopes to combat, mitigate and adapt to climate change. The EU leads efforts in the adoption of renewable energy, climate resilience and environmental conservation. Follow the link below to learn more about the Green Transition.
Ocean Governance
The EU is a leader in protecting the world's oceans. International ocean governance is about managing the world’s oceans and their resources together so that they are healthy and productive. Follow the link below to learn more to learn more about Ocean Governance.
Digital partnerships
The EU actively supports digital infrastructure and trade, cybersecurity, and digital skills’ development in the Indo-Pacific region. The EU and partners are focused on addressing the digital divide in order to deliver a human-centric digital transition. Follow the link below to learn more about Digital Governance and Partnerships.
Security and defence
The EU is increasing its efforts to enhance regional security through security and defense partnerships, regular dialogues and participation in joint operations like naval exercises. Follow the link below to learn more about Security and Defence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Connectivity
The EU promotes all dimensions of connectivity with its strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific.
The Global Gateway strategy feeds into the vision of the Indo-Pacific Strategy of boosting green, modern and resilient investments for sustainable connectivity, including infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
Human security
The EU recently announced the allocation of over €56 million in humanitarian aid in 2024 to support people in need in the South, East and South-East of Asia and in the Pacific. The EU continues to provide humanitarian assistance in response to human-induced disasters and natural hazards.
A brief introduction to the Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific in 60 seconds
Watch Niclas Kvarnström, Managing Director for Asia and Pacific at the EEAS, take the 60 seconds challenge to explain the EU strategy for cooperation with the Indo-Pacific.
- To learn more about the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy follow the link to download the factsheet (PDF): EU Indo-Pacific Strategy Factsheet.
