Ten years of partnership: Germany and ASEAN

We are living through turbulent times! The escalating war in the Middle East greatly affects all aspects of life. Rising fuel costs, cancelled flights and concern for loved ones who work in the Middle East are a daily reminder of the unfolding geopolitical shifts. In a world increasingly marked by crises, nations must reevaluate dependencies, strengthen resilience and seek new partnerships. Germany and the Philippines remain close partners in these challenging times and have long acknowledged this reality. Both nations belong to regional organizations that embody cooperation beyond borders: Germany as a founding member of the European Union (EU) – the world’s most advanced regional organization – and the Philippines as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – one of the world’s largest trading blocs. EU-ASEAN trade has tripled since 2000. Together, the EU and ASEAN are committed to promoting a rules-based international order that fosters an open and free Indo-Pacific. Recent geopolitical events have underlined a truth that holds globally: lasting solutions require collaboration, coalitions and partnerships that go beyond immediate neighbors.

Germany’s commitment to ASEAN, as one of the world’s most dynamic regions, has only grown. Since becoming ASEAN’s first European development partner in 2016, Germany has worked closely with ASEAN to tackle global challenges. This year marks the 10th anniversary of that partnership, coinciding with the Philippines holding the ASEAN Chairship in 2026.

Advancing climate protection and environmental sustainability

Climate change presents existential challenges for ASEAN nations, many of which experience its impact directly through typhoons, rising sea levels and droughts. Germany has supported ASEAN by promoting renewable energy, sustainable forest management and circular economy practices by investing over 240 million euros in climate-related projects. In the years ahead, we are ready to expand our collaboration further. Key priorities include protecting vulnerable ecosystems, strengthening infrastructure against natural disasters and jointly addressing the challenges of global warming.

Strengthening economic cooperation

The ASEAN region has become a hub for international trade due to its unique geographical position along valuable trade-lanes. Rapid growth in countries like the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia are driven by young populations and a rising middle class – making the region interesting for European investors.

Germany benefits from skilled ASEAN professionals. In particular, Filipino workers are widely recognized for their skill sets, English proficiency and cultural versatility. All these factors contribute to the outstanding potential laying in European-ASEAN trade relations. With Germany being the largest European trade-partner for the Philippines and the third-largest trade nation worldwide, we want to further deepen our economic links to ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific. We aim to ensure trade happens on equitable terms, focusing on sustainability and shared prosperity, while maintaining open and secure trading corridors. In a world where the rules-based order is also challenged when it comes to trade, German-Philippine relations and the prospect of an EU-Philippine free trade agreement is of particular importance.

Preserving multilateralism and upholding a rules-based order

In an age of geopolitical shifts, Germany and ASEAN stand united in their commitment to international law and norms. The war in Ukraine and disputes in the West Philippine Sea are strong reminders that the rules-based international order is under pressure. If we stop pushing back against violations of international law, ‘might makes right’ potentially becomes a reality. Germany’s partnership with ASEAN has the potential to make both of our regions more resilient in light of a threatened international order, geopolitical challenges and growing insecurity.

Looking ahead: Deepening the partnership

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of our partnership with ASEAN, Germany reaffirms its commitment to strengthening ties with its Southeast Asian partners. We have to choose resilience over retreat, collaboration over division and progress over complacency. The challenges are vast, but so, too, is our potential. Germany and ASEAN stand ready to shape a brighter future together, leaving no question that partnerships are not just an option – they are the answer.

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Andreas Pfaffernoschke is the German Ambassador to the Philippines.