ABOUT US
About the Ambassador
H.E. Massimo Santoro is the European Union Ambassador to the Philippines. Ambassador Santoro was previously Head of Division Policy Coordination/Head of Office of the Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Read the CV of Ambassador Santoro.
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CopyrightEuropean Union, 2024
H.E. Massimo Santoro
Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines
Message from the Ambassador
Mabuhay!
On September 1st, 2024, I started my mission as Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines.
Relations between the European Union and the Philippines – of which we commemorate the 60th anniversary – have never been so rich. From peace, security, good governance, to trade, climate and environment, green economy, digital, culture, education and several other areas, the European Union is increasing its engagement with the Philippines as a key partner in South East Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Our enduring partnership and friendship is based on mutual respect and on our common attachment to the principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, peaceful international cooperation, support to the rules-based international order.
Together with the whole team of the EU Delegation, I look forward to engaging with interlocutors from across all sectors and regions in the country, to sustain the effective implementation of the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and continue working together on further avenues for collaboration, contributing to taking our partnership to the next level.
I hope you remain informed about the EU activities in the Philippines and do visit our social media channels: X @EUAmbPH; @EUinthePH; Facebook ; IG @EUinthePhilippines.
Solid Tayo!
Massimo Santoro
Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines
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CopyrightPresidential Communications Office
H. E. Massimo Santoro, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, presented his credentials to H. E. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., today, 25 September 2024 at Malacañang Palace.
Photo by Presidential Communications Office. See more at the Photo Gallery.
H. E. Massimo Santoro, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, presented his credentials to H. E. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., today, 25 September 2024 at Malacañang Palace.
In his speech he said:
I am delighted to start my assignment here in Manila when we are celebrating the sixty years of diplomatic relations between the European Union and the Philippines.
Over these sixty years, our bilateral relations have become increasingly deep and broad. Our Partnership and Cooperation Agreement acts as the foundation for our political dialogue and cooperation in a wide range of areas.
As Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines, I will be honoured to contribute to advance our relations even further, based on our shared values and interests.
The European Union is eager to work for fruitful negotiations of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement in the context of already prosperous relations in the economic, trade and investment sectors. Our cooperation projects in the fields of climate, energy, environment, digitalisation, good governance, peace and human rights feature high on our partnership agenda.
In times of security challenges that threaten the peace and prosperity of our continents, the European Union will continue promoting cooperation at bilateral, regional and global level as well as ensuring its unwavering support to a rules-based international order.
The European Union has a strategic interest in stable, prosperous and secure Philippines, including in promoting maritime security and maintaining open and safe shipping routes.
I am looking forward to working with the Philippine government and all stakeholders, including in the context of the Philippines important role in the ASEAN framework.
In the European Union, the Philippines and the Filipinos have a strong and reliable partner.
Columns
EU and Philippines: Partners in maritime security for a more secure Indo-Pacific region.
DIPLOMATIC POUCH - EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro - The Philippine Star
December 15, 2024 | 12:00am
A number of recent incidents in the South China Sea have again resulted in mounting tensions and a deterioration of the maritime security environment. This poses a serious threat to the peaceful economic development of the region and the entire world, and it undermines regional stability and international norms.
The European Union has been steadfast in its support for the rules-based international order and demands that the UN Charter, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other relevant international norms relating to the safety of life at sea, as well as the Arbitration Award of 2016, should be upheld and respected at all times. We strongly oppose illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous actions in the South China Sea and welcome frank and sincere diplomatic engagements in this regard. Maritime disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with the dispute settlement mechanisms under UNCLOS. The European Union remains committed to supporting its partners seeking to exercise their legitimate rights, in the region and beyond.
Strengthening ties: EU-Phl partnership grows amidst shared challenges and new initiatives.
DIPLOMATIC POUCH - EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro - The Philippine Star
November 3, 2024 | 12:00am
I have been thrilled by the intensity of the diplomatic engagements between the European Union and the Philippines in these last two months. We have had two ministerial level visits from European Commissioners to the Philippines, as well as political dialogue meetings on maritime affairs and on good governance, rule of law and human rights. Furthermore, senior Philippine government officials participated in meetings in Brussels, including in the context of the negotiations of a Free Trade Agreement as well as for discussions on foreign policy and security issues. The launch of several very significant cooperation projects is testament to the vitality and momentum in our bilateral relations.
The EU and the Philippines: 60 years of close cooperation – and many more to come.
DIPLOMATIC POUCH - EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro - The Philippine Star
September 29, 2024 | 12:00am
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. Read the full article here.