Inter-regional security and defence cooperation between the EU and ASEAN are evident in the active participation of the EU in the ASEAN-led regional security architecture, including in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) and the East Asia Summit.

The EU-ASEAN strategic partnership was reflected in the EU’s inaugural participation as Guest of the Chair at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting on 10 December 2020. Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy highlighted the inter-connected and critical nature of peace, security and prosperity in Asia to the peace, security and prosperity of Europe and the world.

In the past ten years (2010-2020), the EU has provided over EUR 32 million in funding to mitigate the risks of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials at the national, regional and international level. The EU Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE) initiative focuses on providing technical support and facilitating knowledge-sharing based on a voluntary and demand-driven approach.

Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE) initiative focuses on providing technical support and facilitating knowledge-sharing based on a voluntary and demand-driven approach.

Violent extremism poses a significant threat to the region’s stability and undermines the global effort to promote peace and security. The rise of violent extremist groups and their message of intolerance underline the importance of preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE). The EU contributes to this effort through its support to The Strengthening Resilience Against Violent Extremism in Asia (STRIVE Asia) programme. The programme focuses on mitigating the impact of violent extremism in communities and vulnerable groups through multi-stakeholder approach which includes governments, security actors, civil society and private sector entities.