EU and the Philippines: Manigong Bagong Taon!

As I get to engage more and more with Filipino partners – from national and local government officials to entrepreneurs, academics and civil society advocates, youth – I am increasingly convinced that the EU-Philippines partnership is entering its most dynamic phase to date. Built on shared values of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, sustainable development, peace and open trade has never been stronger. With the momentum we see today, it is deepening even further in 2026.

With the Philippines assuming the ASEAN Chairship, a dense calendar of ASEAN-related meetings will bring several EU officials to the region, creating valuable opportunities for further dialogue and cooperation with the Philippines at high level. These engagements will also reinforce the EU’s strong support for the Philippines’ leadership role in ASEAN and for ASEAN centrality more broadly.

Security and defense cooperation is a clear example of how our partnership is translating into concrete action. The very successful first iteration of the EU-Philippines Security and Defense Dialogue, held in November 2025, is being translated into concrete initiatives to further strengthen cooperation on maritime security, cyber, hybrid issues, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), in addition to humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Through various EU programs like Critical Maritime Routes (CRIMARIO), EU Cybernet, Enhancing Security in and with Asia (ESIWA+) and numerous others, we share technology and expertise in various security and defense areas. These activities are expected to scale up further this year.

Our development cooperation agenda reflects a commitment to inclusive growth across the country. The European Union-Philippines Green Economy Partnership recognizes that environmental sustainability and economic opportunity must go hand in hand. This partnership is part of Global Gateway, the European Union’s strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections with partner countries, spearheaded by the European Union and the Philippines through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Running until 2028, it is designed to transition the Philippines into a green economy and focuses on advancing circular economy practices, reducing waste and plastics, increasing energy efficiency and expanding the use of clean energy. Under this program, we will see another 10 local government units joining the “Green LGUs” project in 2026, following the success noted in the initial LGUs that had joined and are leading green solutions for the Filipino people.

Also under Global Gateway, our EU-Philippines Digital Economy Package will be in full swing in 2026 following the signing of the bilateral financing agreement last year. This initiative will support the Philippines’ digital transition and technology innovation in 5G, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence in earth observation and digital connectivity. By working together on trusted and secure technologies, the EU and the Philippines are strengthening economic competitiveness while ensuring that digital progress supports sustainable development and public trust.

The Mindanao peace process holds special significance in our partnership agenda. Through our Partnership for Peace and Development in Mindanao, the EU remains committed to supporting peacebuilding initiatives and fostering inclusive development in the region. It builds on previous EU engagements in the peace process and covers good governance, normalization and an approach combining humanitarian aid, peace and development in Mindanao, to strengthen resilience of local communities in BARMM and the broader region. A particular focus is given to persons internally displaced and are affected by climate change.

The Philippines has a democratic tradition and a vibrant civil society. Our human rights engagement will continue to support Filipino institutions in order to ensure access to justice, strengthen the rule of law and accountability and to support good governance, in close dialogue with civil society and independent institutions.

The EU remains one of the Philippines’ largest trading partners and an important source of foreign direct investment. Negotiations are well ongoing for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement. And the common goal is to reach a conclusion ensuring quality and substance to the agreement. What we aim to achieve is to create new and ambitious market access opportunities for trade in goods, services and investment, as well as for government procurement. We aim to create a stable, predictable and rules-based environment for European companies operating in the country. We also aim to ensure that economic growth goes hand in hand with labor rights, environment protection and responsible business conduct.

The EU-Philippines partnership is about two partners addressing shared challenges together. Whether it is about working together for supporting the rules-based international order, climate change, digital transformation, security and defense or supporting the rule of law and human rights, the EU and the Philippines are stronger when we work together.

As I travel across this beautiful country, most recently to Northern Mindanao jointly with my fellow EU Member-State Ambassadors, I am constantly impressed by Filipino innovation, resilience and optimism. These qualities give me the confidence that our partnership will reach greater heights.

The best chapters of the EU-Philippines story are being written. I am honored to be able to contribute to a partnership that delivers tangible benefits to both the EU and the Philippines while advancing our shared vision of a more sustainable, secure and prosperous future.

Hangad ko ang kasaganaan para sa lahat! Maligayang bagong taon!

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Massimo Santoro is the European Union Ambassador to the Philippines.