In a bold move to strengthen international cooperation, the Philippines and the European Union (EU) convened a pivotal meeting in Brussels on October 7, 2025. This gathering, under the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), reaffirmed a shared commitment to upholding international law and enhancing maritime collaboration.
At the heart of their discussions was a strong emphasis on multilateralism and adherence to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which serves as the cornerstone for maritime activities worldwide.
One of the key outcomes was the affirmation of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. Both parties stressed the critical importance of full compliance with this legally binding decision, reiterating their commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. They took a firm stance against illegal and aggressive actions that could destabilize the region, advocating for restraint and peaceful dispute resolution through international law and UNCLOS mechanisms.
But here's where it gets controversial: the meeting also highlighted the growing strategic partnership between the EU and the Philippines, with the recent establishment of the EU-Philippines Security and Defence Dialogue in June 2025. This forum aims to advance joint efforts in critical areas such as maritime security and critical infrastructure protection, and even tackle emerging challenges like "shadow fleets."
And this is the part most people miss: both parties acknowledged the impending enforcement of the BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), a crucial step towards protecting marine biodiversity and addressing climate change. They committed to working towards universal ratification and effective implementation, showcasing a collaborative effort to combat environmental degradation.
Recognizing the vital role of Filipino seafarers, the EU and the Philippines echoed calls from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the UN Security Council for improved seafarer safety, particularly in high-risk areas. They agreed to enhance cooperation in real-time threat intelligence sharing, seafarer assistance, and capacity building to ensure safe maritime operations.
The discussions also encompassed ongoing initiatives such as ESIWA, CRIMARIO (via the IORIS platform), and the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) Seafarers Technical Assistance Project, all aimed at promoting maritime safety and enhancing education, training, and certification for seafarers in the Philippines and ASEAN.
Both parties expressed the need to explore further collaborations in maritime domain awareness, coast guard cooperation, environmental protection, and addressing non-traditional security challenges. This reinforces their shared vision of ensuring peace, security, and sustainability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting was co-chaired by Cosmin Dobran from the European External Action Service and Emmanuel Donato K. Guzman from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. The next step in their maritime partnership is scheduled for Manila in 2026, marking a continued commitment to strengthening their collaboration.
