Abstract

Europe’s interest in maritime security in the Indo-Pacific has not come unnoticed. Since 2021, deployments of European navies, port calls and joint exercises have become regular features, coupled with multiplying defence agreements and partnerships. Often viewed as mere diplomatic signalling, the increasing naval presence of European countries raises as many questions in the region as it does at home. How constructive is it to deal with the region’s maritime security concerns? How credible and sustainable is Europe’s commitment in the Indo-Pacific? And what is the level of coordination between Brussels and individual capitals? From EU strategies to national outlooks, this lecture offers a first-hand insight into Europe’s multifaceted approach to maritime security, unpacking the drivers, the complex internal dynamic, and identifying opportunities and challenges lying ahead.

About the Speaker

Eva Pejsova holds the Japan Chair at the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy (CSDS) of the Brussels School of Governance (BSoG). Until 2019, Dr Pejsova was in charge of the Asia portfolio at the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), the EU’s official agency for foreign and security policy research and analysis. She obtained her PhD in Strategic Studies from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore and has previously worked with the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the French Prime Minister’s Office, the OECD, and the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). Eva regularly lectures at SciencesPo Paris, the Geneva Centre for Security Studies (GCSP), as well as briefs the Members of the European Parliament. Her research focuses on Indo-Pacific security dynamic, notably in the field of maritime security, Europe’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific, EU – Japan relations, and Japan’s foreign and security policy.