European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced progress on the X network following a phone call on Monday with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Von der Leyen stated: 'We have just reached an agreement on a free trade pact! [The agreement] comes exactly three years after my visit to Manila to resume negotiations.'
In her post accompanying this announcement, she emphasized the intention to return to the archipelago in 2027 to sign the treaty. European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefković noted on social media, after a video conference with Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry Maria Cristina Roque, that this is 'progress and a victory for both sides.'
According to Šefković, this agreement deepens ties with 'one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic economies,' opening up broad growth potential beyond current exchanges, which amount to about 18 billion euros in goods and 10 billion euros in services.
Meanwhile, Chairwoman of the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Diana Edralin, stressed that this pact represents a 'significant milestone in the long-standing economic relationship between the Philippines and the European Union,' achieved 'after many years of effort and work.' In her statement, she added that 'the conclusion of these negotiations is a testament to the commitment of both parties to building stronger and more predictable trade relations.'
In July, heads of European and Philippine diplomacy signed an agreement in Manila aimed at strengthening political and economic ties amid free trade talks and global uncertainty. The European representative, Kaya Callas, along with her colleague Teresa Lazaro, stated: 'Relations between the European Union and the Philippines are on a positive trajectory. Today we agreed to strengthen our bonds by launching Enhanced Partnership.'
Strengthening ties with the Philippines is part of Brussels' efforts to diversify trade partners and reduce the bloc's dependence on the United States, which is linked to the tariff policy of US President Donald Trump. Since late 2025, Brussels has concluded free trade agreements with Indonesia, India, and Australia, which had been suspended for decades, and these are added to existing agreements in the region with Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand, as well as the one under negotiation with Thailand.