PH, EU reaffirm commitment to UNCLOS, 2016 arbitral ruling in Brussels maritime talks

PH, EU reaffirm commitment to UNCLOS, 2016 arbitral ruling in Brussels maritime talks
Argyll Cyrus Geducos Nov 8, 2025 https://mb.com.ph/2025/11/08/ph-eu-reaffirm-commitment-to-unclos-2016-ar...

The Philippines and the European Union (EU) reaffirmed their shared commitment to uphold international law and freedom of navigation during the Third Subcommittee on Maritime Cooperation held in Brussels on Oct. 7, under the framework of the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

According to the EU, the meeting underscored the two sides’ “resolve to uphold the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” which they described as the legal framework governing all maritime activities.

Both called for the full and faithful compliance of all parties with the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, which they emphasized is “final and legally binding.”

The Philippines and the EU reiterated their “strong opposition to illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous activities” in the South China Sea.

They expressed “serious concerns” over unilateral actions that endanger peace and regional stability, urging all parties to exercise restraint and resolve disputes only through peaceful means in accordance with UNCLOS.
Both sides welcomed continued diplomatic engagement to manage tensions and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

The Brussels meeting followed the launch of the first EU-Philippines Security and Defence Dialogue held in Manila in June 2025.

Delegates noted the importance of this new platform for expanding cooperation on maritime domain awareness, coast guard collaboration, and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, particularly amid growing challenges posed by so-called “shadow fleets.”

Commitment to seafarer safety and marine biodiversity

The EU and the Philippines also pledged to enhance international cooperation on seafarer safety, including better awareness for those navigating high-risk areas, real-time threat intelligence sharing, and assistance to those in distress at sea.
They echoed calls from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and United Nations Security Council for respect for navigational rights and freedoms, urging the global maritime industry to protect and promote seafarers’ welfare.

Both parties likewise welcomed the forthcoming entry into force of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), stressing its importance in protecting the oceans and combating climate change.

Expanding maritime cooperation projects

Officials from both sides reviewed progress in ongoing collaborative projects, including ESIWA (Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia), CRIMARIO and its IORIS maritime information-sharing platform, and the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) Seafarers Technical Assistance Project.

These initiatives aim to strengthen maritime safety, education, training, and certification systems for Filipino and ASEAN seafarers, while promoting sustainable maritime connectivity and environmental protection.
The meeting was co-chaired by Cosmin Dobran, Director for Peace, Partnership, and Crisis Management at the European External Action Service (EEAS), and Emmanuel Donato Guzman, Assistant Secretary of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Delegates from EU member states and Philippine government agencies participated in the discussions.

The next Subcommittee on Maritime Cooperation meeting between the Philippines and the EU will take place in Manila in 2026.