MANILA: The Philippines and the European Union have decided to unveil a dedicated discussion on security and defense in a noteworthy move toward a more resonant international collaboration.
This development, declared on June 2 by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, featured in a story by The Star, intends to respond to cross-border pressures such as foreign interference, cyberattacks, and information domination and exploitation. The declaration concurred with the official visit of EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas to Manila, where she met with both Manalo and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“We hope that through the security and defense dialogue, we will remain proactive and united in addressing emerging threats,” Manalo said in a joint conference with Kallas. The effort is part of a larger alliance and collaboration arrangement between the Philippines and the EU, founded in 2012 and carried out in 2018.
A platform for shared expertise and joint action
Kallas highlighted the tactical significance of the new mechanism, labeling it as a “dedicated platform” for both sides to share knowledge, skills, synchronize responses, and determine collective security initiatives. The negotiation will touch on an extensive array of concerns, including maritime safety and security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and emergency response.
“Our work will be comprehensive,” Kallas said, “and will contribute to regional as well as global security.” She reiterated the EU’s pledge to a rules-based global order and stressed the coalition’s posture against one-sided actions that challenge regional stability, principally in the South China Sea, and about tensions surrounding Taiwan.
Pushing forward a positive trajectory
The introduction of this security and defense discourse signifies a novel breakthrough in Philippine-EU relations. The two officials described the arrangement as an indication of collective autonomous ideals and a shared promise to transnational collaboration in the face of shifting worldwide challenges.
“We are like-minded partners,” Manalo stated. “This mechanism will allow us to address challenges that transcend borders with greater depth and regularity.” Kallas echoed this sentiment, seeing the alliance “on a positive trajectory,” that can lead to a future of more profound engagements between the Philippines and the European Union.