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

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.