European Union and the Netherlands host EU-RoK roundtable on safeguarding open sea lines of communication
Seoul, Republic of Korea, 11 June 2026 —The European Union (EU) and the Netherlands jointly organised a high-level roundtable on safeguarding open sea lines of communication (SLOCs) on the occasion of a port call by Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter from 9–12 June.
Supported by EU project ESIWA+ (Enhancing the EU’s Security Cooperation in and with Asia and the Indo-Pacific), the peer-to-peer activity convened about officials and experts from government agencies, Korean and European shipping companies and think tanks who explored ways to ensure safe and open maritime trade routes — a shared priority for both sides.
European Union, 2026
Roland Honekamp, Chargé d’affaires a.i., EU Delegation to the Republic of Korea, said: “Any disruption of commercial shipping has a significant impact on economic security. Our roundtable reflects the continued commitment of the European Union to promote maritime security, in particular in the Indo-Pacific. The message is clear, the EU is a reliable, predictable security partner for the RoK and our partners in the region”.
European Union, 2026
In his opening remarks, His Excellency Peter van der Vliet, Dutch Ambassador in Seoul, said: “The Netherlands has long been a seafaring and trading nation. For our prosperity and security, it is vital that seas remain open, secure and governed by law. This is no different for the Republic of Korea. Within our strategic partnership, the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea have committed ourselves to deepening our cooperation in economic security and the law of the sea.”
In November 2024, the EU and Republic of Korea signed a bilateral Security and Defence Partnership, in which both sides agreed to promote an open and rules-based maritime regional security architecture, including secure sea lines of communication and freedom of navigation and overflight, in accordance with international law.
This latest maritime security roundtable builds on the EU-RoK Security and Defence Dialogue in Seoul in May this year.
European Union, 2026
European Union, 2026
During the activity, European representatives shared candid experience gained from European Union Naval Force Aspides, a naval operation contributing to safeguarding maritime security, especially for merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf under the EU Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP).
On its way to the Indo-Pacific, HNLMS De Ruyter contributed to Aspides in the Red Sea, apart from contributing to enforcing UN Security Council maritime sanctions against North Korea. After participating in the large-scale naval exercises Rim of the Pacific and Pacific Dragon around Hawaii, the vessel will return to the Netherlands via the Caribbean.
European Union, 2026