On 21 April, the Institute hosted a closed-door discussion on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung's Maritime Security Advisory Network which brings together Asia-Pacific experts to develop policy solutions and deepen engagement with European partners on shared maritime challenges. The roundtable was moderated by Lizza Bomassi.
Participants discussed a maritime environment shaped by intensifying geopolitical competition and a growing overlap between economic and security concerns. Regional perspectives highlighted diverse strategies, from strategic autonomy and hedging to efforts aimed at exposing unlawful behaviour and reinforcing international law. Non-traditional threats, including illegal fishing, environmental risks and irregular migration, were also identified as central to maritime security.
The discussion underscored that while the EU is seen as a relevant and trusted partner, its engagement is often perceived as episodic. In a context where China is both an indispensable economic actor and a strategic challenge, and where multilateral frameworks face limitations, there is increasing demand for more consistent, operational EU involvement.
Participants emphasised the need to move towards sustained, practical cooperation. Priorities include strengthening mini-lateral and trilateral formats, deepening EU-ASEAN engagement in non-traditional security domains, and advancing joint work on emerging issues such as critical infrastructure and maritime connectivity, in support of a more resilient and rules-based maritime order.