When the European Union (EU) launched its Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in September 2021, the world looked different. Four years on, this strategy has become the backbone of a stronger, more engaged European presence in the region. The 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels on November 20-21 is focusing on our cooperation to support our joint stability, prosperity and sustainability, while upholding international law, open trade and shared values.

Despite the distant geography, Europe and the Indo-Pacific find their futures increasingly interlinked in a world marked by geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty, and intensifying strategic competition. Challenges ranging from growing pressure on the multilateral system intensified by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, to the weaponisation of trade and technology, and the accelerating climate crisis, are not dividing our regions; they bring us closer together. There is a greater need than ever for collective action to effectively address these common challenges.

Within the forum, the EU high representative/vice-president will convene a high-level event on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. This underscores Europe’s........

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