Context: Asia and the Pacific are central to Europe’s security, stability, and prosperity. However, the region faces complex challenges. There is a need for diversified, rules-based partnerships. In response, the EU seeks to enhance its security engagement under the 2016 Global Strategy and 2018 Council Conclusions, positioning itself as a credible and cooperative actor through dialogue, capacity building, and policy exchange.
Objectives: The project aims to reinforce the EU’s security engagement with six pilot countries — India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam — by advancing political dialogue, operational cooperation, and mutual understanding across shared security priorities.
Approach: Co-funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and implemented by GIZ and Expertise France, the project combines political diplomacy with technical cooperation. It promotes trust-building, mutual capacity enhancement, and the practical application of EU norms and international law across four priority areas: counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism, cybersecurity, maritime security, and crisis management.
Activities:
1. Political Dialogue: Facilitation of consultations and confidence-building platforms to advance common strategic interests.
2. Cooperation & Capacity Building: Delivery of joint training, technical exchanges, and initiatives supporting the Women, Peace and Security agenda (UNSCR 1325).
3. Public Diplomacy: Communication campaigns and outreach to raise awareness of the EU’s role in global and regional security.
Impacts: The project enhances mutual trust, interoperability, and policy convergence between the EU and Asian partners. It reinforces the EU’s profile as a reliable, principles-based security actor while promoting human security, gender equality, and a stable, rules-based Indo-Pacific order.