EU Statement at the Trade Policy Review of the Philippines, 24 June 2026
Thank you, Madam Chair.
On behalf of the European Union, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the Delegation of the Philippines, led by Undersecretary Allan Gepty. I would also like to thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of the Philippines for the comprehensive and insightful reports.
Allow me to also thank the Discussant, H.E. Mr Víctor Manuel AGUILAR PEREZ (Mexico) for the valuable introduction to the main developments since the Philippine’s last Trade Policy Review in 2018.
The EU greatly values the Philippines’ commitment to this transparency exercise.
The Philippines is a longstanding and valued partner of the EU. Our relationship is built on shared interests in sustainable economic growth, regional stability, and support for a rules-based international order.
The EU welcomes the Philippines’ efforts to modernise its economy, improve the business environment, and strengthen infrastructure. We recognise recent reforms such as the amendments to the Foreign Investments Act, the Public Service Act and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, as well as the establishment of Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, which can help further integrate the Philippines into regional and global value chains.
Our bilateral economic relationship continues to deepen. The EU is one of the Philippines’ largest trading and investment partners, supporting economic development, job creation, and innovation. The Philippines is an increasingly important economic partner for the EU. Bilateral trade expanded steadily in recent years. In 2025, trade between the EU and the Philippines grew by 4.5% to €17.6 billion.
At a time of increasing uncertainty, the EU welcomes the Philippines’ commitment to an open and predictable trading environment, its continued engagement in the multilateral trading system and active participation in the WTO. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to strengthen and reform the Organisation. We note positively the Philippines’ acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in February 2024 and welcome its participation in the Agreement on Electronic Commerce and its support for the interim implementation arrangements launched in March 2026.
The EU values its longstanding trade relationship with the Philippines under the General System of Preferences (GSP+), which has facilitated trade flows and supported the Philippines’ integration into global markets. The EU appreciates the Philippines’ continued efforts towards implementation of GSP+.
The EU welcomes the renewed momentum in the negotiations towards a comprehensive, ambitious, and balanced Free Trade Agreement. An FTA has the potential to further deepen economic ties, create new opportunities on both sides, and strengthen economic resilience in an increasingly uncertain global environment. Replacing GSP+, an FTA would support sustainable development and reinforce our shared commitment to an open and rules-based international trading system.
In our written questions, we have raised several issues. In summary:
First, we would welcome further information on recent reforms to attract foreign investment and implement economic liberalisation. We welcome the creation of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). We are interested in understanding how the Philippines intends to address longstanding challenges affecting the investment climate, including regulatory and administrative complexity, infrastructure and logistics constraints, and restrictions affecting foreign participation in certain sectors.
Second, we would welcome further information on measures to improve transparency, reduce administrative burdens, and facilitate participation by foreign suppliers following the changes in the Government Procurement Act.
Third, the EU would also welcome further updates on measures to improve border procedures to reduce costs and enhance predictability for traders.
Fourth, while recognising the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen food security and support agricultural development, we would welcome further clarification on policies affecting trade in agricultural products, such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures and market access conditions.
Fifth, the EU would welcome further clarification regarding government initiatives aimed at supporting strategic industries (such as the Proudly Filipino law), including how such measures are designed and implemented consistently with WTO obligations and principles of transparency.
On behalf of the EU, I look forward to working together and wish the Philippines a successful Trade Policy Review.