Experts from the Philippines and the European Union (EU) convened in Manila to address rising threats to critical infrastructure, including sea cables and cyber networks. This seminar marked the first collaboration under the recently launched Philippines-EU Security and Defense Dialogue, organized by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and supported by the EU’s Enhancing Security Cooperation in Asia and the Indo-Pacific (ESIWA+) initiative.
Participants discussed hybrid threats that combine cyberattacks, misinformation, and physical sabotage, focusing on strategies to protect essential services. DFA Assistant Secretary Deena Joy Amatong emphasized the collective responsibility for safeguarding infrastructure across all levels, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to ensure societal resilience.
European Union Ambassador Massimo Santoro assured that the EU is prepared to share its expertise in critical infrastructure protection. He outlined various EU frameworks, such as the Directive on the Resilience of Critical Entities and the EU Action Plan on the Security of Submarine Cables, which can guide joint strategies and enhance incident response mechanisms.
This event builds on a growing partnership between the Philippines and the EU, particularly in security cooperation. The ESIWA+ program, co-organizing the seminar, aims to strengthen collaboration in cybersecurity, maritime security, and crisis response, as both parties seek to adapt to a rapidly evolving security landscape.
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