The geo-economic approach to the European Union’s strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to discuss the European Union’s (EU) cooperation and geo-economic approach towards the Indo-Pacific Region (IPR). This study examines the EU’s comprehensive strategy for the expansion of its presence in the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. The EU wants economic and political partnerships between the Indo-Pacific countries so as to strengthen its position in the region. The European Union’s policy has been operating in the regions as an instrument of soft power to cooperate with countries of this region. The research highlights that the EU implies the construction of structural strategic networks to intensify the high capacities in the projection of economic cooperation. As a result, the EU somehow makes a rational connection to expedite economic activities while, on the other hand, the EU needs to establish a strong mechanism to achieve ultimate geopolitical and geo-economic interest in the region.