Bridging Waters: Middle Powers' Cooperation on Maritime Security

Europe and the Netherlands have a strategic interest in deepening maritime security partnerships with emerging middle powers in the Red Sea and South China Sea, two pivotal regions for global trade and geopolitical stability. This webinar will explore opportunities for the Netherlands to collaborate with countries like Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam, focusing on securing vital maritime routes and ensuring freedom of navigation. With expert insights from contributors to a new paper series, the event will examine how through the use of preventive and responsive measures, we can enhance security and uphold open international maritime routes.

Through two expert panels, the experts contributing to the paper series will have the chance to present their findings and insights, while participants will engage in a dynamic exchange of ideas on addressing shared challenges and fostering cooperation. This event is aimed at policymakers, academics, researchers, and students, offering a platform for informed dialogue on European-regional collaborations and the role of maritime security in global stability.

Programme:

10:00 – 10:10 | Introduction

10:10 – 10:55 | Session 1 on Preventive Measures

Speakers:

1. Dr. Shafiah F. Muhibat, Deputy Executive Director for Research, CSIS Indonesia
2. Trang Pham, Research Fellow, Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law
3. Yara Ahmed, Senior Associate, MacroScope Strategies

10:55 - 11:05 | Break

11:05 – 11:50 | Session 2 on Responsive Measures

Speakers:

1. Dr. Charmaine Willoughby, Professor and Chair, De La Salle University
2. Dr. Sumathy Permal, Senior Fellow, Maritime Insitute of Malaysia

11:50 - 12:00 | Conclusion

Event details:

Date: 18 November 2025

Time: 10:00 – 12:00 CET

Location: Microsoft Teams