The forum kicked off with opening remarks from Professor Rory Medcalf AM, Head of the ANU Security College, and Rod Brazier, Deputy Secretary of the Development and Multilateral Group at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Their insights set the stage for an engaging discussion on the Indo-Pacific's security dynamics.

‘In strengthening our resilience, we need to learn from doing, and it makes the increasing interaction and sharing experiences between European and Australian experts in numerous fields crucial. The excellent example of this, here in Australia, is the ongoing cooperation between experts from the Australian Institute of Strategic Policy and the Helsinki Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats’ said Indo-pacific Special Envoy Richard Tibbels.

A significant highlight of the forum was the conversation between Professor Medcalf and Special Envoy Tibbels, following Mr. Tibbels' speech on the progres the EU had made with its Indo-Pacific Strategy. Their exchange shed light on the current challenges in the region and potential synergies for collaboration. A dynamic Q&A session followed, allowing attendees to further explore these ideas and contribute their perspectives.

There is so much that Australia and the European Union countries share, both in terms of interests, but also in terms of fundamental values and principles. Indeed, when you look at the values that underpin our political systems and a liberal democratic approach to life, there is so much commonality, that geography should really be dissolved as much as possible in the search for partnership’, said Professor Medcalf.

The forum featured two insightful panels, each addressing crucial aspects of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. The first panel focused on geo-economics and environment, with participation from esteemed experts: Dr Dirk van der Kley (National Security Committee in Australia), Eva Wagner (Konrad Adenauer Stiftung), and Anne McNaughton (Centre for European Studies, ANU). Discussions centred on the intersection of economic interests and environmental concerns in shaping the region's future, also in light of the EU’s Green Deal and the EU’s Global Pledge.

The second panel delved into security, defence, and connectivity, bringing together a diverse group of experts: Dr Amanda Watson (ANU), Dr Michito Tsuruoka (Keio University), Jennifer Parker (National Security Committee in Australia), and Dr Frédéric Grare (National Security Committee in Australia & ANU), who analysed the multifaceted dimensions of security challenges and the role of connectivity initiatives in fostering regional stability.

Working Together Towards a Safe and Proserous Indo-Pacific Region

The EU Indo-Pacific Forum in Canberra reaffirmed the importance of collaborative efforts in pursuing shared values and upholding a rules-based order in the region. Moving forward, sustained collaboration and engagement will be essential in navigating the region's evolving dynamics and promoting a peaceful, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Further reading:

• EU Indo-Pacific Forum 2024: address from Richard Tibbels, EU Special Envoy to the Indo-Pacific (YouTube)
• EU Special Envoy to the Indo-Pacific Richard Tibbels in conversation with Professor Rory Medcalf (YouTube)
• The National Security Podcast: In conversation with the EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific, Richard Tibbels
• EU Indo-Pacific Strategy
• Global Gateway