The Indo-Pacific region has seen a palpable increase in attention over the past years. By the end of September 2021, three EU member states France, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as the EU itself, had published respective strategies or guidelines on the Indo-Pacific region. This issue of Panorama: Insights into Asian and European Affairs reflects on these strategies, and crucially, their perception in the region. It covers questions from what constitutes likeminded partnerships, to assumed and perceived added value of European engagement, and potential for specific areas of cooperation amidst ongoing great power rivalry.