EU, PH mark stronger ties on Europe Day
The European Union (EU) Delegation to the Philippines celebrated Europe Day by reaffirming the deepening partnership between the EU and the Philippines. The event was held May 8 at The Peninsula Manila.
In his first Europe Day address as EU envoy, Ambassador Massimo Santoro underscored the importance of this relationship, calling the Philippines an “excellent, like-minded, and close international partner.” He emphasized shared values such as democracy, human rights, and a commitment to a rules-based international order—principles both sides champion in regional and global affairs, from the South China Sea to global institutions.
Over the past year, EU-Philippines relations have seen significant progress. Santoro highlighted expanded cooperation in areas like peace-building in Mindanao, digital transformation, green economy, and justice sector reform. Trade relations are also poised to grow, with the EU granting tariff-free access to over 7,000 Philippine products and ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement.
The EU’s support for climate resilience and infrastructure development through the Global Gateway investment strategy further demonstrates its long-term commitment to Philippine development.
Marking 60 years of diplomatic ties, Santoro credited the Philippine government, civil society, and EU member states for making the partnership stronger and more dynamic. He noted a surge in high-level visits and collaborative initiatives as signs of the relationship’s vitality.
With shared values at its core, the EU-Philippines partnership stands as a model of international cooperation built on mutual respect, sustainable growth, and peace.
