Over the past decade, the political and strategic transformation in Asia has put ASEAN at the center of the process of redefining global balances. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean Southeast Asia represents the geographical heart of the new geopolitical arc of the Indo-Pacific and is emerging as a possible new pole of economic interest, political, social and security not only within the region but also for all the international actors who look with increasing interest to this area. Europe is also rediscovering a new engagement in Southeast Asia and with ASEAN, both at the level of the European Union and of individual Member States. By being granted the status of ASEAN Development Partner in September 2020, Italy confirmed the growing attention for the Southeast Asian region and the desire to become a reference partner for ASEAN countries in the delicate process of growth.