Strengthening ties: EU-Phl partnership grows amidst shared challenges and new initiatives

I have been thrilled by the intensity of the diplomatic engagements between the European Union and the Philippines in these last two months.

- By MASSIMO SANTORO

We have had two ministerial level visits from European Commissioners to the Philippines, as well as political dialogue meetings on maritime affairs and on good governance, rule of law and human rights. Furthermore, senior Philippine government officials participated in meetings in Brussels, including in the context of the negotiations of a Free Trade Agreement as well as for discussions on foreign policy and security issues. The launch of several very significant cooperation projects is testament to the vitality and momentum in our bilateral relations.

Sadly, besides the intense diplomatic engagements, we have also witnessed the havoc that typhoons and monsoons, intensified by climate change, wreak much too often in the Philippines. I am deeply saddened by the severe destruction and loss of lives caused by the recent typhoons Enteng (Yagi) and Kristine (Trami). The European Union stands by the Philippines in times of disaster; this goes beyond feelings of sympathy into life-saving action, including the swift release by the European Union of 1.5 million euros (approximately P95 million) to help the populations most affected by typhoon Kristine. This funding will help provide assistance in the hardest-hit areas, notably to people who have lost their homes and remain displaced.