EU boosts Philippines human capital ties through higher education, research

MANILA, Philippines — The European Union (EU) has announced plans to deepen academic and research cooperation with the Philippines, viewing education as a key investment in the country’s growing talent and innovation sectors.

Organized by the EU Delegation to the Philippines together with the embassies of EU member states, this year’s European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) brings in 97 European universities and research institutions, reflecting continued EU interest in developing human capital partnerships in Asia.

For the first time, Latvia, Romania and Slovakia are joining the lineup, expanding opportunities for Filipino students and professionals alongside long-time partners from the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Hungary, The Netherlands, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden.

Agata Nowicka, deputy head of the EU Delegation, said education remains one of the EU’s strongest investments in sustainable growth.

“We need to enrich academic quality, foster intercultural understanding and advance research and innovation,” Nowicka said. “We need to prepare students to become future leaders.”

Nowicka said around 55 to 65 Filipino scholars each year pursue joint Master’s degrees in Europe through Erasmus+, with many going on to lead in their respective industries. She added that 47 institutions have taken part in capacity-building programs for higher education under the EU’s Erasmus+ initiative in partnership with Philippine universities.

EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro said the bloc continues to view higher education as part of its broader cooperation strategy with the Philippines, especially in innovation and research.

“Each year, EHEF grows not just in size but also in depth. With new EUMS states joining us and new programme sessions expanding our offerings, we are opening more pathways for Filipino students and researchers to connect, learn and thrive in the EU,” Santoro said.

EHEF 2025 will be held on Nov. 21 and 22 at the Midtown Atrium of Robinsons Manila, with an online session on Nov 24. The Commission on Higher Education remains a key partner along with universities including the University of Santo Tomas, University of the Cordilleras, Eastern Visayas State University and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.

The fair highlights the EU’s continuing efforts to strengthen skills development, research collaboration and academic exchange as pillars of long-term economic cooperation with the Philippines.