Manila (TDI): The Philippines and the European Union (EU) agreed on Monday to launch a security and defense dialogue to address cyberattacks and foreign interference.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Manila, where Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas underscored the need for consistent, in-depth discussions on evolving security challenges.
“This initiative reflects a deepening of our ties,” Manalo remarked.
“By establishing this platform, both sides can work together to counter complex, transnational threats such as cyberattacks and the misuse of information.”
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Kallas, speaking alongside Manalo, emphasized the EU’s intention to expand its strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
She noted that maritime security and other pressing geopolitical concerns would be part of the upcoming dialogue.
The agreement follows a series of defense-focused bilateral meetings held by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro during the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
There, Teodoro held talks with counterparts from France, Sweden, and Lithuania to strengthen defense collaboration.
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This planned dialogue stems from the broader Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed between the EU and the Philippines in 2018.
The first round of talks is expected to take place in the final quarter of 2025.
In addition to defense matters, both parties also reiterated their commitment to advancing negotiations on a long-standing free trade agreement.
Manalo said that the Philippines remains hopeful for a swift and balanced conclusion to the FTA talks.
The most recent negotiation rounds were held in October 2024 and February 2025.
Another session is scheduled in Brussels later this month.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
