The European Union and the Philippines have agreed to upgrade their bilateral ties by launching an Enhanced Partnership, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced on 24 July 2026 in Manila, following a signing ceremony. The new framework will bring more regular high-level dialogues, closer coordination on foreign and security policy, and stronger cooperation on trade, climate, digital and connectivity issues, Kallas said in a press statement.
Kallas, who was in Manila for the signing, also announced the first-ever European Peace Facility assistance measure for the Philippine Armed Forces, worth €15 million, aimed at strengthening the country's maritime capabilities through non-lethal surveillance and monitoring equipment. This marks the first EPF support to be implemented in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring Europe's growing role as a security partner in the region. The announcement follows a meeting with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro on 23 July.
On the economic front, Kallas noted that the EU is already the Philippines' fourth-largest trading partner, with nearly €17 billion in annual trade in goods. She said negotiations for a free trade agreement are entering the final stretch and urged flexibility to resolve remaining market access issues. Once concluded, the agreement is expected to create business opportunities, strengthen supply chains, and benefit citizens in both the Philippines and the EU.
Kallas also addressed international issues, thanking the Philippines for its principled stance on Russia's war against Ukraine and its consistent support for the UN Charter. She highlighted the upcoming Kyiv-Manila dialogue as an opportunity to further align positions. On the South China Sea, she reaffirmed EU support for freedom of navigation, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and efforts by ASEAN and China to conclude a legally binding code of conduct, stressing that disputes must be settled through dialogue, not coercion. Regarding Myanmar, she called on the military regime to stop attacks on civilians, allow humanitarian access, and create conditions for an inclusive political process.
The Enhanced Partnership, Kallas said, reflects that the EU-Philippines relationship has never been stronger. She also congratulated the Philippines on its ASEAN chairmanship and expressed hope for elevating EU-ASEAN relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by 2027.
EU and Philippine businesses stand to gain from a potential FTA and enhanced economic ties; Philippine maritime security benefits from the €15 million EPF assistance; EU taxpayers fund the EPF measure, while the EU's strategic positioning in the Indo-Pacific is strengthened. The Enhanced Partnership also implies closer alignment on foreign policy, which may affect the Philippines' relations with other regional actors.