Abstract

In the evolving geopolitical landscape, Europe’s role in the Indo-Pacific region has gained importance. As the geo-economic landscape of the world evolves, Europe’s strategic focus has diverted towards this region, a nexus of growing economic might and complex security challenges. This research paper analyzes Europe’s increasing engagement in the Waters, surrounding historical interactions, contemporary strategies, and prospects. The introduction sets the stage for a comprehensive study of Europe’s historical ties with Asia. The paper then delves into the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy, dividing the fundamental motivations and objectives that shape this geopolitical landscape. The EU member states’ perspectives and strategies have been assessed, highlighting the heterogeneity within Europe’s activity in the region. The research further evaluates the crucial issue of de-risking supply chains and amplifying economic security, a significant concern in the Indo-Pacific’s multifaceted trade ecosystem. In addition, it investigates Europe’s role within the existing networks of the region. Based on an analysis of findings, the paper offers insights into the effectiveness of Europe’s current strategies and proposes recommendations for Europe’s robust and sustained engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

Keywords: European Union, Indo-Pacific, geopolitics, ASEAN, QUAD, Russia-Ukraine war, strategic partnership.

Introduction

The Indo-Pacific, a gigantic region expanding from East Africa to the west coast of the Americas, has developed into a critical arena for facilitating global trade, shaping trade dynamics, economic security, and annual growth of economies. This region is home to the largest, growing economies, including China, India, Japan, and South Korea, strategic sea routes essential for energy transportation, and geopolitical fault lines. Its vast economic expanse accounts for more than 60% of the world’s GDP and almost half of the global merchandise trade. It is home to the Strait of Malacca, the strategic waterways that serve as core arteries for enabling international commerce, channelling a significant portion of maritime trade that fortifies the global economy. For the EU, this region is a channel where its interests lie and interconnect with the interests of other major regional actors. The EU has identified the Indo-Pacific as the second-largest destination for its exports, with Europe and Indo-Pacific accounting for almost 70% of the global trade. 

This economic linkage is further underscored by the considerable recovery in EU’s trade with this region in 2022, following the aftermath of the pandemic, recording a 61% rise in imports and a 26% surge in exports compared to 2020. This expanding economic interdependence has driven Europe to deepen its engagement with the Indo-Pacific, maintain a free and open space, and build strong alliances. Europe’s increasing engagement with the Indo-Pacific is manifold, surrounding economic, security, and normative dimensions aimed at reducing dependence on any single power. The EU’s Indo-Pacific plan, launched in 2021 includes this comprehensive approach, to freeze the rules-based global order and enhance multilateral cooperation. As the geopolitical currents shift, Europe’s proactive engagement in this dynamic region will shape the contours of global order.

Historical Context: Europe’s Relationship with Asia

The historical background of Europe’s engagement with Asia is an amalgamation of economic, political, and cultural exchanges that have evolved over centuries. The earliest historical ties between Europe and Asia are drawn to the Silk Road, connecting China to the Roman Empire. Throughout history, trade has been a significant element in building the relationship between these continents, enabling the smooth exchange of goods and the flow of ideas and cultural regimes. This integrated diverse regions into the Eurasian network of civilizations, influenced their development, and encouraged political partnerships. Europe’s relationship with the Asia-Pacific region isn’t new, it’s a result of years-long and complex historical ties characterized by various phases of trade, colonization, conflict, and collaboration. It is to be noted that European powers such as Portugal, Spain, and Britain started engaging with this region as early as the 16th century, building trade routes and colonies. The region’s abundance of spices, silk, and other valuables attracted their interest.

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