This CSDN Regional Briefing Paper examines how the EU can act as a Strategic Partner to the Pacific Islands Forum, with a focus on peace and security.
The paper looks at the interconnected challenges facing Pacific Island Countries, including climate change and mobility, energy security, militarisation and geopolitical competition, organised crime, violence against women and girls, the legacy of colonialism, and cybersecurity. It also considers how the EU is perceived in the region and where its engagement has been less visible or less aligned with Pacific priorities.
It is based on desk research and interviews with EU officials, international and local NGOs and other stakeholders. It closes with seven recommendations for EU engagement, including putting Pacific priorities and local leadership at the centre of peace and security support, and linking climate adaptation with peacebuilding and human security.
