The European Union and the Netherlands jointly organised a high-level roundtable on safeguarding open sea lines of communication (SLOCs) on 11 June 2026 in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on the occasion of a port call by Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter from 9–12 June. The event, supported by the EU project ESIWA+ (Enhancing the EU’s Security Cooperation in and with Asia and the Indo-Pacific), convened officials and experts from government agencies, Korean and European shipping companies and think tanks to explore ways to ensure safe and open maritime trade routes.
Roland Honekamp, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Korea, said: “Any disruption of commercial shipping has a significant impact on economic security. Our roundtable reflects the continued commitment of the European Union to promote maritime security, in particular in the Indo-Pacific. The message is clear, the EU is a reliable, predictable security partner for the RoK and our partners in the region.”
Dutch Ambassador Peter van der Vliet, in his opening remarks, said: “The Netherlands has long been a seafaring and trading nation. For our prosperity and security, it is vital that seas remain open, secure and governed by law. This is no different for the Republic of Korea. Within our strategic partnership, the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea have committed ourselves to deepening our cooperation in economic security and the law of the sea.”
The roundtable builds on the EU-RoK Security and Defence Partnership signed in November 2024, in which both sides agreed to promote an open and rules-based maritime regional security architecture, including secure sea lines of communication and freedom of navigation and overflight, in accordance with international law. It also follows the EU-RoK Security and Defence Dialogue held in Seoul in May 2026.
During the activity, European representatives shared experience gained from EU Naval Force Aspides, a naval operation contributing to safeguarding maritime security for merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf under the EU Common Security and Defense Policy. HNLMS De Ruyter, on its way to the Indo-Pacific, contributed to Aspides in the Red Sea and to enforcing UN Security Council maritime sanctions against North Korea. After participating in the large-scale naval exercises Rim of the Pacific and Pacific Dragon around Hawaii, the vessel will return to the Netherlands via the Caribbean.
The roundtable underscores the EU's role as a security partner in the Indo-Pacific, with implications for EU and Korean shipping companies reliant on secure trade routes, as well as for regional stability. No immediate follow-up events were announced.
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