The EU and the Philippines: 60 years of close cooperation – and many more to come

Having presented my Letter of Credence as Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines to H.E. President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, I am delighted to start my assignment here, as we are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between the European Union and the Philippines.

As from my very recent arrival in the Philippines, my mind has been filled with excitement and curiosity. The Philippines, with its rich history, diverse culture and thriving economy, has long been a beacon of opportunity and growth in Southeast Asia. While I have studied this nation and our bilateral relations in great detail before arriving, nothing could have prepared me for the warmth, vibrancy and hospitality that I, together with my family, have experienced from the very first moment. We have been genuinely touched by how welcoming the people are, reflecting the deep sense of community, values and culture that Filipinos hold dear.

Over these 60 years, our bilateral relations have become increasingly deep and broad.

Work has now started to take our strong economic relations to the next level. The European Union is eager to engage with the Philippines in the negotiations for an ambitious bilateral Free Trade Agreement. Such an agreement, once in place, has the potential to bring our exchanges and our investment flows to new heights, generating growth and new jobs and supporting the aspirations of the Philippines. Together with my team, I am committed to facilitating a smooth conduct of the negotiations with an eye to a successful outcome. In this context, I look forward to the first round of meetings in October, when we will be proud to welcome the Philippine negotiating team in Brussels.

The World Risk Index recently ranked the Philippines as the most disaster-prone country in the world for the 16th straight year, also due to increasingly extreme natural events like typhoons and droughts. The Philippines is a regional champion in the fight against climate change and is working on a path to a cleaner and greener future. My team at the EU Delegation and I will continue to work closely with the Philippines through our cooperation projects to make that aspiration happen. As one concrete example, the EU satellites that are acting as “eyes in the sky” in the Philippines, help to better predict and prepare for extreme weather events. These same satellites have also recently helped the Philippine Coast Guard in the clean-up of the oil spill caused by the sinking of Philippine-flagged vessel MT Terranova following the heavy rains and rough waters from Super Typhoon Carina. The digital sector is another one where we intend to increase our cooperation.

In times of security challenges that threaten the peace and prosperity of our continents, the EU will continue promoting cooperation at bilateral, regional and global level, as well as ensuring our unwavering support to a rules-based international order and multilateralism. Challenges to the rules-based order in our inter-connected world affect all of us, in any continent they happen. My team at the EU Delegation and I will continue to seek ways to strengthen the cooperation on maritime security. We have also started working with the Philippines on Maritime Education and Training, safety and labor standards and strong maritime administrations. We commonly share the view that the wellbeing of the Filipino seafarers is fundamental. And it is also essential to ensure maritime safety, not least to connect our people.

The EU is heavily invested in the peace process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with programs assisting the regional government institutions and contributing to the improvement of the livelihoods of citizens and communities in the region. We will also continue working with the Philippines on strengthening the rule of law and protecting human rights. Good governance and the promotion and protection of human rights globally is a never-ending work in progress, so it is important to strive for a world where justice, dignity and equality are not just ideals but tangible realities for every person.

The relationship between the Philippines and the European Union goes beyond trade and diplomacy – it thrives on rich cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The EU’s Erasmus+ program, for example, has enabled many Filipino students to study in Europe, broadening their horizons and building lifelong connections. Meanwhile, European artists and cultural institutions frequently collaborate with their Filipino counterparts, sharing knowledge and celebrating each other’s rich heritage. These exchanges not only strengthen the bond between our nations but also enrich our societies, reminding us that our greatest strength lies in our shared human experience.

There is a lot already ongoing. And there is much more we can do together. I plan to visit the many interesting realities in the country, a paradise of culture and knowledge, an enriching source of positive spirt and warm hospitality. Together with the European family, I am very much looking forward to working with the Philippine government, the people in the Philippines and all stakeholders in pursuing these goals. In the European Union, the Philippines and the Filipinos have a strong and reliable partner.

Again, a very big thank you for your warm welcoming. Maraming salamat at mabuhay tayong lahat!

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Massimo Santoro is the Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines.