Philippines: EU and the Philippines deepen security and defence cooperation

High Representative Kallas and Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. reaffirmed the strength of the European Union-Philippines partnership and exchanged views on current geopolitical challenges, as well as ways to further deepen security and defence cooperation. They welcomed the positive outcomes of the Security and Defence Dialogue launched in June 2025, which has advanced collaboration on maritime security, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, and foreign information manipulation and interference. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to a resilient, rules-based international order that upholds peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Building on these efforts, they welcomed the adoption by the Council of the European Union, following a proposal from the High Representative, of the first-ever assistance measure under the European Peace Facility for the Philippines. Worth EUR 15 million, the first measure to be implemented in the Indo-Pacific region marks a major milestone in European Union-Philippines security and defence cooperation.

The assistance measure will strengthen the maritime domain awareness capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It will improve Philippine Navy’s ability to detect, monitor and analyse activities within the country’s maritime zones, develop a more comprehensive maritime picture, enhance early warning, and support more effective coordination and response by naval and maritime security forces.

More than an investment in capabilities, the assistance measure is an investment in the European Union-Philippines partnership, in mutual trust, in regional stability, and in a shared commitment to peace and security.