EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy

Context: European Council approves conclusions on EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy

• The Council of the European Union approved conclusions on a European Union strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific to “reinforce its strategic focus, presence and actions” in this region.
• The aim is to contribute to regional stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development.
• The renewed EU commitment to the Indo-Pacific will have a long-term focus and will be based on “upholding democracy, human rights, the rule of law and respect for international law”.
• The EU will aim to promote effective rules-based multilateralism, reiterating its support for ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) centrality, a point also stressed by India.

Need:

• Current dynamics in the Indo-Pacific have given rise to intense geopolitical competition adding to increasing tensions on trade and supply chains as well as in technological, political and security areas.
• Human rights are also being challenged.
• These developments increasingly threaten the stability and security of the region and beyond, directly impacting on the EU’s interests.

COVID-19 effects

• The EU will work together in order to mitigate the economic and human effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and work towards ensuring an inclusive and sustainable socio-economic recovery.
• The EU’s approach and engagement will look to foster a “rules-based international order, a level playing field, as well as an open and fair environment for trade and investment, reciprocity, the strengthening of resilience, tackling climate change and supporting connectivity with the EU.
• Free and open maritime supply routes in full compliance with international law remain crucial.
• On trade partnerships, the EU will aim to conclude free trade agreements with Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand and take further steps towards the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment with China.
• The EU will continue to explore deepening economic relations with India.

Security cooperation

• The EU will continue to develop partnerships in the areas of security and defence, including to address maritime security, malicious cyber activities, disinformation, emerging technologies, terrorism, and organised crime.
• On security cooperation, the Council will build on its experience of protecting critical maritime routes in the Indian Ocean through maritime domain awareness.
• EU has taken the decision to extend the geographic scope of its CRIMARIO (Critical Maritime Routes) II activities from the Indian Ocean into South and Southeast Asia with a view to contribute to safer sea lanes of communication with the EU.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/european-council-approves-conclusions-on-eus-indo-pacific-strategy/article34361992.ece?homepage=true