Philippines: EU and the Philippines elevate relations to an Enhanced Partnership

On the occasion of High Representative Kallas’ participation at the ASEAN ministerial events taking place in Metro Manila in the context of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship, 
High Representative Kallas and Secretary for Foreign Affairs Lazaro reaffirmed the strength of the relations between the European Union and the Philippines, rooted in shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, anchored in the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, and signed a joint statement reflecting the upgrade in our bilateral relations towards an Enhanced Partnership. The upgrade will foster additional cooperation on foreign affairs and security issues, good governance, rules of law, human rights, intensification of the cooperation on climate change, green transition, digital under the Global Gateway Strategy, as well as promoting people-to-people exchanges.

They also discussed the current geopolitical challenges, the fostering of further exchanges and cooperation in security and defence areas, based on the fruitful outcomes of the Security and Defence Dialogue meetings launched in June 2025, including on maritime security, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, foreign information manipulation and interference.
They both reaffirmed their support to a resilient, rules-based international order that upholds peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

The EU and the Philippines reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen cooperation in response to evolving regional and global challenges. In this context, High Representative Kallas congratulated the Philippines for its work as ASEAN Chair. She recalled the Philippines’ continued commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, and the rule of law, including its consistent support for all relevant UN General Assembly resolutions, notably on Ukraine.