By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The European Union (EU) has reinforced its security partnership with the Philippines by unveiling a €15 million (about ₱1.05 billion) maritime security assistance package aimed at enhancing the country’s ability to monitor and protect its vast maritime domain.
The funding marks the first-ever support extended to the Philippines under the European Peace Facility (EPF) and the first EPF assistance to be implemented in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring Europe’s expanding security role in the region.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced the assistance Friday following bilateral talks with Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and the formal launch of the EU-Philippines Enhanced Partnership on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila.
“This support will strengthen your country’s maritime capabilities through non-lethal surveillance and monitoring equipment,” Kallas said. “It is a clear demonstration that Europe is stepping up as a security partner in the Indo-Pacific.”
The assistance will provide non-lethal surveillance and monitoring equipment to improve the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness across the country’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
The European Peace Facility is a multibillion-euro funding mechanism designed to help partner countries prevent conflict, preserve peace, and enhance international security through capacity-building initiatives.
Kallas also reaffirmed the EU’s support for a rules-based international order in the South China Sea, reiterating the bloc’s backing for freedom of navigation and overflight, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and ongoing negotiations between ASEAN and China on a binding Code of Conduct for the disputed waters.
The latest assistance reflects growing strategic cooperation between Manila and Brussels as both sides seek to promote regional stability, maritime security, and adherence to international law amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea.
ia/xf
