ASEAN, EU Urged to Step Up as Anchors of Stability

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 28, 2026 (KPT) — ASEAN and the European Union have been urged to step up as anchors of stability and predictability amid escalating global conflicts and supply chain disruptions.

The call came from the co chairs of the 25th ASEAN EU Ministerial Meeting, Brunei’s Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who said maintaining the status quo is no longer sufficient as the world faces mounting geopolitical and economic pressures.

Erywan warned of heightened uncertainty and an erosion of the international system, with rising tensions destabilising energy markets and driving up costs of essential goods.

He said the rules based order depends on nations acting responsibly and engaging as equals, but that foundation is now under strain.

Kallas echoed the concern, citing conflicts in West Asia and Russia’s war in Ukraine as drivers of a global energy crisis. She said Southeast Asian economies are among the hardest hit, with inflation fuelled by rising costs of energy, food and transport.

Both leaders stressed that ASEAN and the EU must respond with greater ambition, upholding international law and multilateralism while strengthening cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, maritime security and protection of critical infrastructure.

As ASEAN and the EU approach the 50th anniversary of their dialogue relations in 2027, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to elevate ties into a comprehensive strategic partnership that is stable, predictable and reliable.