On October 7, 2025, the Philippines and the European Union convened the Third Subcommittee on Maritime Cooperation (SCM) in Brussels under the EU–Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). This meeting reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to upholding international law and enhancing maritime collaboration. Central to their discussions was the emphasis on multilateralism and adherence to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides the legal framework for maritime activities.
A key focus was the affirmation of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. Both sides stressed the importance of fully complying with this legally binding decision and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. They denounced illegal and aggressive actions that could destabilize the region, calling for restraint and peaceful resolution of disputes through international law and UNCLOS mechanisms.
The meeting also highlighted the growing strategic partnership between the EU and the Philippines, particularly with the recent establishment of the EU–Philippines Security and Defence Dialogue in June 2025. This forum is intended to advance joint efforts in areas such as maritime security, critical infrastructure protection, and tackling emerging challenges like “shadow fleets.”
Additionally, both parties acknowledged the impending enforcement of the BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), aimed at protecting marine biodiversity and addressing climate change. They committed to working towards its universal ratification and effective implementation, signifying a collaborative effort to address environmental degradation.
Recognizing the importance of Filipino seafarers, the EU and the Philippines echoed calls from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the UN Security Council for improved seafarer safety, especially in high-risk areas. They agreed to enhance cooperation in real-time threat intelligence sharing, seafarer assistance, and capacity building to ensure safe maritime operations.
The discussions also encompassed ongoing initiatives such as ESIWA, CRIMARIO (via the IORIS platform), and the EU–ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) Seafarers Technical Assistance Project, all aimed at promoting maritime safety and improving education, training, and certification for seafarers in the Philippines and ASEAN.
Both parties expressed the need to explore further collaborations in maritime domain awareness, coast guard cooperation, environmental protection, and addressing non-traditional security challenges. This reinforces their shared aim of ensuring peace, security, and sustainability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The SCM was co-chaired by Cosmin Dobran from the European External Action Service and Emmanuel Donato K. Guzman from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. The next meeting of the Subcommittee is scheduled to occur in Manila in 2026, marking a continued commitment to their maritime partnership.
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