EU–Indo-Pacific Forum Unveils Drive to Safeguard Subsea Cables
The EU will create a structured UNCLOS-based initiative for critical maritime infrastructure with regional partners.
Overview
- The fourth EU–Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum concluded in Brussels on 20–21 November, chaired by Kaja Kallas and drawing about 70 delegations.
- A high-level session on protecting critical maritime infrastructure highlighted shared risks to submarine cables, with the EU set to pursue a new structured cooperation mechanism grounded in international law.
- Kallas urged deeper cooperation on security, connectivity and the rules-based order, warning of cross-regional linkages that include North Korean arms transfers to Russia and dual-use exports from China.
- India participated through Secretary (West) Sibi George, who met Kallas and several foreign ministers during the gathering.
- EU officials showcased recent advances such as security and defence partnerships with Japan and the Republic of Korea, the conclusion of EU–Indonesia CEPA talks, nearly €300 million mobilised via the EU–Pacific Business Forum, and continued Global Gateway investments.