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Philippines: Press statement by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas following the signing ceremony of the EU-Philippines Enhanced Partnership

24.07.2026
Manila
EEAS Press Team

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Dear Secretary Lazaro, dear Tess, 

It is really a pleasure to be back in Manila and let me first congratulate you on your ASEAN Chairmanship. The excellent organisation of this week reflects your strong leadership and convening power.  

The European Union has long been a reliable partner for ASEAN, and I count on your support as we work towards elevating EU-ASEAN relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership already in 2027.  

The European Union and ASEAN both benefit from rules-based international order. This makes it all the more important that we work together in support of the international law and the UN Charter.  

The relationship between the European Union and the Philippines is also on a positive trajectory. Today we agreed to upgrade our ties by launching the Enhanced Partnership, and this will just not be a new label. It means more regular high-level dialogues, closer coordination on foreign and security policy, on stronger cooperation across areas that matter to our citizens from trade to climate, digital and connectivity.  

On security and defence, we have already come a long way over the last year. Yesterday I met Secretary Teodoro to discuss the first ever European Peace Facility assistance measure for the Philippine Armed Forces worth €15 million. This support will strengthen your country's maritime capabilities through non-lethal surveillance and monitoring equipment. This is the first ever European Peace Facility support to be implemented in the Indo-Pacific and a clear demonstration that Europe is stepping up as a security partner in the region.  

Our economic ties are also moving forward. The European Union is already the Philippines' 4th largest trading partner with nearly €17 billion in annual trade in goods. There has also been good progress made in negotiations of our Free Trade Agreement. We are now entering the final stretch, and I encourage flexibility to resolve the remaining market access issues. Once finalised, this agreement will create more opportunities for businesses, strengthen the supply chains, and benefit citizens both in the Philippines but also in the European Union.  

Secretary Lazaro and I also discussed pressing international issues. I want to thank the Philippines for its principles, position on Russia's war against Ukraine and its consistent support for the UN Charter and international law. The Kyiv-Manila dialogue, in which we will participate immediately after this press conference, is a good opportunity to further align our positions. The vast majority of countries has vested interest in ensuring the borders cannot be changed by force. This is a principle that protects us all.  

The same commitment to international law is essential in the South China Sea. The European Union continues to support freedom of navigation and overflight, and we remain firmly committed to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Together with 27 EU Member States, only a few days ago, we stated support for the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. The EU supports efforts by ASEAN and China to conclude a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea. Disputes must be settled through dialogue, not coercion.  

We also discussed the situation in Myanmar, which has become Asia's deadliest ongoing conflict. The military regime must stop its attacks against civilians, allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need, and create the conditions for inclusive political process.  

Dear Secretary Lazaro, dear Tess, we covered more issues today but let me finish by this: the partnership between the European Union and the Philippines has never been stronger. Thank you once again for your leadership and for your generous hospitality here in Manila.  

Thank you.