Neobtainediations for a Philippines–European Union free trade agreement (FTA) are approaching a pivotal phase in May, driven by increasing global tensions that emphasize the required for more stable trade, energy, and supply chains, according to EU ambassador to the Philippines, Massimo Santoro.
In an exclusive interview, Santoro highlighted that the sixth round of talks in May will be anchored amid external challenges, stressing the importance of depfinishable and predictable partners.
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“I’m very, very proud of the fact that I can, without any hesitation, declare that the European Union is a very reliable partner to the Philippines, not only on the security, defense dimension, we were mentioning development cooperation dimension, etc., but also in trade,” he declared.
This statement follows the resumption of neobtainediations in 2024 after a pautilize, with the sixth round coming after the conclusion of the fifth round in March.
Santoro explained that after a year-long break, both sides conducted a scoping exercise to review and update previous texts, modifying provisions to address emerging challenges before officially restarting neobtainediations in 2024.
When questioned about contentious issues, the envoy mentioned that neobtainediations are rarely straightforward, noting that the proposed deal is expected to be one of the Philippines’ most comprehensive free trade agreements, covering extensive cooperation in goods and services.
“It is fundamental, and I will declare, not only for bringing to Europe or to the Philippines respectively goods with zero tariffs or services with zero tariffs, but becautilize of the job creation. I mean, this is a countest where 25% are young people, where the proficiency in English is very high, the highest in Southeast Asia,” he added.
The envoy further declared the ongoing crisis in the Middle East could open additional opportunities for EU-Philippines cooperation on energy issues.
“Not only for the short term, but most importantly for the medium term, but we required to obtain out of it, becautilize nothing good comes from a situation where energy is what it is. I mean, the impact, I consider, here on the citizens is very visible. Identical scenario is in Europe,” the envoy declared.
Both sides aim to conclude the Free Trade Agreement neobtainediations by the second half of 2026.
In March, the fifth round of neobtainediations in Brussels reaffirmed their shared goal to reach a comprehensive, ambitious agreement that enhances economic ties and fosters resilient, sustainable growth.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Envoy: PH–EU free trade talks near pivotal phase in May”
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