PH–EU dialogue in Brussels reinforces joint maritime priorities

The Philippines and the European Union held the Third Subcommittee on Maritime Cooperation (SCM) under the EU–Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in Brussels on October 7, 2025, reaffirming their shared commitment to uphold international law and strengthen maritime collaboration.

Both sides reiterated their strong support for multilateralism and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which serves as the legal framework governing all maritime activities. They emphasized respect for the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of coastal states, in accordance with international law and the dispute settlement mechanisms under UNCLOS.

Reaffirming the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, both parties called for full and faithful compliance with the legally binding decision, underscoring their commitment to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.

The EU and the Philippines also expressed firm opposition to illegal, coercive, or aggressive actions that undermine peace and stability in the region. Both sides urged restraint, adherence to international law, and peaceful resolution of maritime disputes through dialogue and UNCLOS mechanisms.

Highlighting growing strategic cooperation, the two sides took note of the EU–Philippines Security and Defence Dialogue launched in Manila in June 2025, which serves as a dedicated platform to advance joint work on maritime security, critical infrastructure protection, and emerging issues such as “shadow fleets.”

They also welcomed the upcoming entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) under UNCLOS, which aims to protect marine biodiversity, combat environmental degradation, and address the impacts of climate change. Both parties committed to working together toward its universal ratification and effective implementation.

Recognizing the vital role of Filipino seafarers, the EU and the Philippines echoed the call of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the UN Security Council for enhanced safety of seafarers navigating high-risk areas. They agreed to strengthen cooperation on real-time threat intelligence sharing, seafarer assistance, and capacity building to ensure safety at sea.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing collaborations such as ESIWA, CRIMARIO (via the IORIS platform), and the EU–ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) Seafarers Technical Assistance Project, all aimed at supporting maritime safety, education, training, and certification in the Philippines and the ASEAN region.

Both parties agreed to further explore initiatives in maritime domain awareness, coast guard cooperation, environmental protection, and non-traditional security challenges, reinforcing their shared goal of preserving peace, security, and sustainability in the Indo-Pacific.

The Subcommittee was co-chaired by Cosmin Dobran, Director for Peace, Partnership, and Crisis Management at the European External Action Service (EEAS), and Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Donato K. Guzman of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Representatives from EU Member States and relevant Philippine government agencies also participated in the meeting.

The next Subcommittee meeting is set to take place in Manila in 2026.