MANILA, Philippines – The European Union (EU) and the Philippines are looking into a new defense and security dialogue to serve as a “dedicated platform” on exchanging expertise and explore joint initiatives that will contribute to regional and global security.
This was announced by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice President of the European Commission (HRVP), H.E. Kaja Kallas, who is undergoing an official visit to the Philippines from 01 to 02 June 2025.
“The European Union's relationship with the Philippines is already on a positive trajectory. Today, we take it to another level,” Kallas stated, during a joint press briefing with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique A. Manalo in Pasay City on Monday.
“Today, we announce the establishment of [a] new EU-Philippines Security and Defense Dialogue. This will be a dedicated platform through which we can deepen our cooperation, exchange expertise on security and defense, and explore joint initiatives that contribute to the regional as well as global security,” Kallas added.
She further stated that the initiative will be “comprehensive” and will include maritime security, cybersecurity, foreign information manipulation and interference, counterterrorism, crisis response, and more.
When asked what is EU’s “red line” when it comes to Chinese aggression in the Asia Pacific region, particularly on Taiwan and the South China Sea, Kallas stated that the EU “rejects any unilateral changes to the status quo”, including the use of coercion.
“We are supporting all the partners who are believers of international law, and we are willing to defend the law as well, because if you don't defend the law, then the situation in the world, in the global sphere, [will be] much, much different,” she said.
In his remarks, Secretary Manalo underscored the Philippines and EU’s relationship, saying it has reached another “significant milestone” with the decision to create a security and defense dialogue.
“This dialogue will provide a mechanism for the Philippines and the EU to discuss security and defense-related issues with both depth and regularity. We have already laid the groundwork for this collaboration with the establishment of the Subcommittee on Maritime Cooperation under the Philippine-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement,” Manalo explained.
“As likeminded partners committed to a rules-based international order, we hope that through the security and defense dialogue we will remain proactive and united in addressing emerging security threats and challenges that transcend borders: cyber attacks, foreign interference and manipulation of information, just to name a few,” Manalo added.
Meanwhile, Kallas reiterated EU’s commitment to supporting the peace process in Mindanao, highlighting its contribution to the humanitarian work on the ground.
According to the EU Delegation to the Philippines, Kallas engaged with Philippine civil society organizations (CSO) on discussions about the “evolving” peace process in Mindanao, regional security, health education and women participation in society.
Kallas is set to meet with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in Malacañang Palace today.
