New EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

MEPs will examine on Friday afternoon how the EU’s reinforced strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific could contribute to the stability of the region.

Foreign Affairs Committee MEPs will discuss the new EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific with Gunnar Wiegand, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific of the European Union External Action Service.

The discussion follows on the Council conclusions from 19 April, in which the Council invited the Commission and the High Representative to present a joint Communication on the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific by September 2021. The Council considers that the EU should reinforce its strategic focus, presence and actions in the Indo-Pacific. The aim of this engagement is contributing to the stability and development of the region, based on the promotion of democracy, rule of law, human rights and international law.

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The Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee David McAllister (EPP, DE): “The EU’s approach to the region should be built on close cooperation with our partners such as Japan, India, South Korea, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand. It should foster the rules-based international order, create an open and fair environment for trade and investments but also tackle issues of global importance, such as climate change, the impact of the COVID-19 as well as enhance connectivity between the EU and the region.”

When: Friday, 22 April, from 14.00 to 15.00.

Where: European Parliament in Brussels, SPAAK 1A2, and remotely.

Check the agenda. You can follow the discussion live.