The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between the EU and the Philippines, entered into force on 1 March 2018, is legal framework of the bilateral relationship. The excellent cooperation between the EU and the Philippines covers all the areas of mutual interest, particularly political, economic, social cooperation.  The EU is also a supporter of the Mindanao Peace Process and remains committed to supporting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The first EU-Philippines Joint Committee, the highest governance body under the PCA, convened in Brussels on 28 January 2020. This Committee serves as a platform for both parties to explore and expand cooperation across various sectors, aiming to elevate their bilateral relationship and strengthen ties based on mutual respect and shared interests.

The Joint Committee also established specialized Sub-Committees on Good Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights, Development Cooperation, Maritime and on Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation.

Meetings of the Joint Committee and of the relevant Sub-Committees take place annually.

The fourth Joint Committee meeting took place in Manila on 3 December 2024. It was a very successful one. Discussions covered areas such as the cooperation on foreign and security issues, green economy, digital, trade, climate, good governance, human rights, rule of law. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to international law, environmental sustainability, and peacebuilding. Both sides condemned the Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and expressed support for the international rules based order. They agreed to enhance cooperation in security-related matters as well, including maritime and cybersecurity.

The European Union is a firm promoter and defender of human rights and democracy across the world, as well as within its own borders. Human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent. Respect for human rights and democracy is essential for addressing global challenges. In May 2024, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy presented the 2023 EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World.

In line with the global EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy, the EU is committed to supporting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in the Philippines. Guided by the Human Rights and Democracy Country Strategy for the period 2021 - 2027, the EU and its member states actively engage with the Philippine government, civil society, and international partners to foster a just, inclusive, and democratic society.

The establishment of the annual EU-Philippine Subcommittee on Good Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the 2018 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement has created an important momentum on this topic. The annual meeting provides a valuable platform for dialogue on how to sustain and further strengthen cooperation between the EU and the Philippines in their mutual pursuit of peace and prosperity for all EU and Filipino citizens, based on their shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, in line with the essential elements of the PCA. The discussion allows the EU and the Philippines to engage in a constructive dialogue where concerns can be raised and discussed, in an open and constructive manner. Openings for mutual support are also key into this process, and every annual dialogue leads to a concrete number of follow-up actions.

In its effort to contribute to the protection of human rights in the Philippines, the EU works closely together with local communities and civil society, the Philippine Commission on Human Rights, as well as with the Philippine Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Our human rights priorities in the Philippines focus on five key areas:

Fighting Impunity and Promoting Accountability

The EU and its member states are dedicated to the strengthening of the rule of law and ensuring justice for all. We advocate for accountability and an end to impunity, particularly in relation to extrajudicial killings and human rights violations. We support an evidence-based approach to the fight against illegal drugs while promoting adherence to human rights standards in law enforcement.

The EU GoJust Programme has contributed to the improvement of access to justice for all in the Philippines since 2006, in close partnership with Philippine government agencies and the Philippine Commission on Human Rights. Part of this initiative is to support the development of ‘Justice Zones’, which are areas where local justice sector actors such as police, prosecutors, public attorneys, judges and prison staff, work together to identify common problems and generate common solutions to address them. Currently, the programme has launched 11 Justice Zones in Quezon City, Cebu, Davao, Angeles, Bacolod, Naga, Calamba, Balanga, Baguio, Zamboanga and Tagaytay City.

The EU will continue to support access to justice in the Philippines.

Strengthening the Civic and Democratic Space

A vibrant civil society is essential for a healthy democracy. The EU and its Member States work with human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society organizations in the Philippines by providing them with legal support, training, and funding opportunities. We promote inclusive participation in governance and protect those advocating for justice, transparency, and human rights.

As part of the EU support to human rights defenders in the Philippines, the delegation has translated the European Union Guidelines On Human Rights Defenders into eight local Philippine languages - (Hiligaynon, Cebuano, Tagalog, Ilokano, Meranaw, Bicol, Kapampangan and Waray/Leyte). Supporting Freedom of Expression and Combating Disinformation

The EU and its Member States work with Philippine civil society and media organizations to counter disinformation, promote media literacy and strengthen press freedom, both online and offline, thereby ensuring that citizens have access to reliable information. By fostering an environment where free speech is protected, we contribute to an informed and democratic public discourse.

Advancing Children’s Rights

Children’s rights remain at the heart of the EU human rights agenda. The EU and its member states collaborate with Philippine and international organizations to combat child exploitation, improve access to education and healthcare, and protect children from violence and abuse. We support policies that ensure the well-being, dignity, and protection of every child in the Philippines.

Eliminating Inequalities and Fighting Discrimination

The EU is committed to promoting equality and social inclusion. We support Philippine government and civil society initiatives that empower all the relevant actors of this promotion. We support civil society groups, including human rights defenders, women’s organisations, LGBTIQ+ communities, indigenous peoples, youth movements, people with disabilities, racial, ethnic and religious minorities and socio-economically disadvantaged groups. We stand by these groups in their struggle for fundamental rights and freedoms, and for the respect of their dignity.

TRADE

The EU ranked as the Philippines' fourth largest trading partner, while the Philippines was the EU's sixth largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) in 2022. Trade in goods between the two partners equaled € 18.4 billion in 2022, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The Philippines enjoyed a trade surplus of € 3 billion in that year. Trade in services between the EU and the Philippines reached € 4.7 billion in 2021. (More statistics on the Philippines). The Philippines remain a prime location for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) for European companies.

The Philippines continues to benefit from the GSP+ trade preference with a utilization rate of 77% in 2022. 26.5% of total Philippine exports to the EU (over 2 billion euros) enjoyed preferential treatment under the GSP preferential trade preference. 

In 2021, the EU share in the total trade of the Philippines was around 8% 

Top products traded between the EU and the Philippines are dominated by machinery and transport equipment; chemicals, food products and electronic components. Office and telecommunication equipment and machinery, in particular integrated circuits and electronic components are the strongest export product of the Philippines to the EU but growth in other sectors can be noted thanks to the GSP+-preferences, notably in agricultural products. 

European companies have been long time investors in the Philippines, providing jobs and know-how and contributing to the growth of the country. EU foreign direct investment stocks were € 14 billion in 2021.

EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).  

Since 25 December 2014, the Philippines has enjoyed enhanced trade preferences with the EU under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). Before that, the Philippines was a beneficiary of the standard GSP scheme. The special incentive arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance GSP+ grants full removal of tariffs on two thirds of all product categories, aiming to support sustainable development and good governance. 

GSP+ beneficiary countries are required to respect a number of international conventions in the areas of human rights, good governance, labour rights and environmental protection. In order to ensure compliance with such principle the EU commission conducts periodic monitoring in the countries and publishes country-specific reports. Latest GSP+ published report (2022).  .  

EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement. 

On 18 March 2024, the EU and the Philippines officially announced the resumption of negotiations for an ambitious, modern and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) – with sustainability at its core. Trade agreements such as these are a cornerstone of the EU's economic security, opening new opportunities for businesses and consumers, strengthening supply chains and promoting sustainable trade practices. An FTA with the Philippines, a booming economy of 115 million people in the heart of the strategically important Indo-Pacific region, would therefore be a valuable addition to the EU's network of trade deals.

Trade-related technical assistance.  

The trade strategy "Trade for All" was adopted in 2015 and aims to transform trade to make it more responsible and beneficial "for all."  

One of the aims of the EU is to ensure that economic growth goes hand in hand with social justice, respect for human rights, labour rights and environmental, health and consumer protection. The EU has been leading in integrating sustainable development objectives into trade policy and making trade an effective tool to promote sustainable development worldwide. The importance of the potential contribution of trade policy to sustainable development was reaffirmed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

The EU’s Aid for Trade Strategy helps partner countries better integrate into the global trading system and to use trade to help eradicate poverty in the context of sustainable development. 

The EU is a firm supporter of the WTO, which lays down a set of rules to help open up global trade and ensure fair treatment for all participants. 

The Philippines is fully committed to multilateral trade arrangements and to the liberalisation of its trade and economy. However, there are a number of technical issues which have prevented the country from taking full advantage of global trade opportunities. 

The EU started its first Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) in 2005 with a grant of €3.5 million. After two more phases of TRTA, a new programme was recently concluded entitled Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Integration Support – Philippines Trade-Related Technical Assistance (ARISE Plus – Philippines). ARISE Plus – the Philippines contributes to the integration of the Philippines’ economy into the global production chain, through targeted support to both the public and private sectors. It is the national Philippines component of the ARISE Plus Programme, supporting regional economic integration and trade in the ASEAN. ARISE Plus – the Philippines is a five-year programme with a budget of €6.4 million. 

Technical assistance on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures is also extended to improve and strengthen the SPS framework to allow better production, processing and trade of safe food, healthy animals and plants.

The European Union's development cooperation with the Philippines is guided by the European Union’s Global Gateway and Indo-Pacific Strategies and aligns with the Philippine Development Plan. Through the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe), the EU has allocated €147 million in funding to its partnership with the Philippines for the period 2021-2024 and €78 million for 2025-2027. Additional investments are set to be mobilised via the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), the main financial instrument under the Global Gateway Strategy.

The current cooperation focuses on two key priorities:

• scaling-up the twin green and digital transition partnership and
• the long-standing cooperation on good governance and the peace process in Mindanao.

Global Gateway delivers sustainable investments and it supports the transition to a green and digital economy in the Philippines. As part of this initiative, the EU established the Copernicus data centre in South-East Asia to process and use earth observation live data stemming from a constellation of around 20 European satellites and ground stations to increase preparedness for natural disasters, variations in climate, and environmental changes.

The EU is supporting the Philippines in becoming a regional digital hub and expand Copernicus to ASEAN through the Digital Economy Package to be implemented Team Europe Initiative with the aim of bringing secure and reliable connections to the country.

The Team Europe Initiative on Green Economy launched by President von der Leyen, promotes the EU Green Deal and the transition towards a green and circular economy, reducing all kinds of waste, promoting the energy transition, leveraging investments and building skills.

Team Europe in the Philippines is a collaborative effort involving the EU, Member States, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Member States' development banks.

The EU is also one the largest development partners regarding support to Mindanao and the peace processes through a comprehensive approach targeting directly the political settlement and socio-economic recovery of conflict-affected areas. The EU has been seen over the years as a reliable, trusted and neutral partner. It has invested approximately EUR 140 Million in Mindanao and continues strengthening access to justice in the Philippines with targeted efforts to address corruption and uphold human rights and gender equality. The EU is also offering support to further enhance the education, training, and certification system for seafarers.

In the fourth Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Development Cooperation in Manila, Philippines, on November 25, 2024, the European Union and the Philippines underscored the relevance of the EU’s long-term support for the peace process and the socio-economic development of the BARMM and Mindanao at large, as well as the crucial role of civil society in the implementation of these programmes. In addition, particular attention was placed on the active development of Global Gateway investment projects, for both Government-to-Government operations and at the private sector level.

The European Union and its Member States work hand in hand in the implementation of the EU Gender Action Plan in the Philippines. Putting gender mainstreaming high on its agenda, the EU ensures that programmes implemented in the country are screened through a gender lens taking into consideration the needs of women.

As a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines benefits from regional collaboration, particularly through two Global Gateway flagships initiatives: the regional Team Europe Initiatives on Green and Sustainable Connectivity with ASEAN.

We have about 80-90 projects active at any time. Visit our Cooperation projects in the Philippines and around the world here.

Global Gateway

Global Gateway is the European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure links in the digital, transport, energy and climate-relevant sectors, and to strengthen education, research and health networks.

The Global Gateway strategy encourages public and private investment in infrastructure, aiming to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments. Global Gateway is fully aligned with the UN’s Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Agreement.

Global Gateway in the Philippines

Global Gateway is supporting the Philippines’s path to a sustainable future in the twin transition, by strengthening digital connections between Europe and the Philippines, while investing on both mitigation and climate resilience. Global Gateway is promoting the green economy to unlock major economic opportunities of circular economy, clean energy, and promoting green skills, to leave no one behind.

Digital Transformation and Connectivity, a Global Gateway Flagship

The Philippines is an island country prone to natural disasters, and one of the richest biodiversity countries in the world. The effects of climate change are severe, and frequent, having more floods and typhoons every year, affecting crops and the economic activity of the country. Real time data and information on disasters are, now more than ever, a necessity.

Under Global Gateway, the use of technology and earth observation can provide satellite images to monitor, map and manage disasters and the effects of climate change. This is why, the first ever earth observation programme in South East Asia is in the Philippines, the EU Copernicus Philippines programme (EUR 10 M). A Copernicus Data Centre will facilitate the use of European satellite images and make use of Copernicus services to monitor volcanic activity, map crops such as banana, and monitoring marine environment. Copernicus will facilitate the skills to manage the data, with learning exchanges, scholarship and digital.

The Digital Economy Package for the Philippines (EUR 20 M), a singular package that only ten countries in the world have, will promote secure connections to expand the use of Copernicus in the ASEAN region and support the country becoming a digital connectivity hub in Asia. To enable the rapid advance of technology this package will support 5G roll out and enhance cybersecurity capacities for the protection of critical infrastructure. Research and private sector will have a prominent role to promote innovation and skills. Team Europe, bringing the European Union and European countries, will implement this programme together.

Team Europe Green Economy, a green transition for all

The European Union and European countries (includes France, Spain, Germany, Finland, Austria, Netherlands and Sweden) partnered together under the Team Europe Green Economy, mobilising over EUR 466 M. The plastic crisis in the country, opens the door to rethink a new economic model, focusing on sustainability, investments and opportunities for business on the green economy. The Philippines and the European Union are partners to create a new green economy, where national, local, private sector come together to reap the benefits of the green economy transition. To tap into this potential, the Global Gateway will act as a catalyst for change on the green transition in the country, with the Green Economy Platform, a one-stop shop for exchange on green economy best practices, private sector and sustainable investment.

News and events

Global Gateway: President von der Leyen launches Green Economy Team Europe initiative in the Philippines

Global Gateway Forum: EU and Philippines sign €60 million Green Economy Programme

Global Gateway: satellite images to build resilience to climate change in the Philippines

Global Gateway: EU and ASEAN strengthen their partnership on sustainable connectivity

EU-Philippines Earth Observation Programme at the Philippine Space Week

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the European Union Unveil New Programme on Circular Economy and Waste Prevention

Copernicus - Philippines and EU join forces for better response to natural disasters and climate change

European Union Unveils Investment and Business Opportunities at Green Economy Forum

“First Light” shines on the Philippines in the unveiling of the Copernicus Data Centre

Global Gateway Events.

October 17, 2024, Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue Event on Copernicus earth observation pilot services

October 18, 2024, Copernicus for Business

November  26 -27 2024, European Union and Philippines Green Economy Forum