EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement

On 31 July 2023, the European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen paid the Philippines a two-day official visit to strengthen the cooperation in areas of trade and economics but also maritime safety and other areas.  

The high-level visit represents the growing importance of the Philippines for businesses and investors from Europe. It also “kickstarts” the negotiations to a sustainable EU-PH Free Trade Agreement (FTA). 

The negotiations for an EU-PH FDA were put on hold for various reasons in previous years. The negotiations between the Philippines and EU will (re-)start soon and are expected to be finalized within the term of the current President of the Philippines. 

It shall provide, amongst others, secure market access for key products and business sectors, including garments and agricultural sectors, as well as a collaboration in critical mineral investments.  Other key topics added to the agenda for the negotiations are digital trade, energy and sustainability.