By Monsi A. Serrano
European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro reaffirmed the deepening partnership between the EU and the Philippines during the celebration of Europe Day, underscoring shared commitments to democracy, multilateralism, regional security, and a rules-based international order amid growing global uncertainties.
Addressing diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community, Santoro said Europe’s founding principles of “freedom, equality, and democracy” remain highly relevant at a time when geopolitical tensions and economic challenges continue to test global stability.
“On Europe Day, we celebrate not just who we are, but also what we do together to promote a fairer, safer, and more sustainable world,” Santoro said.
The EU envoy reaffirmed Europe’s continued support for Ukraine, stressing that sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law must always be protected.
He likewise reiterated the EU’s position on the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing the importance of upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral ruling.
“Upholding the freedoms, rights, and duties established in UNCLOS, particularly freedom of navigation and overflight, is essential to maintaining peace, security, and open sea supply routes worldwide,” Santoro said.
Calling the Philippines a “trusted and like-minded partner,” Santoro acknowledged Manila’s growing role in promoting regional stability and multilateral cooperation, especially as the country prepares for its future ASEAN chairmanship.
The ambassador also cited the launch of the EU-Philippines Security and Defense Dialogue as a significant milestone in bilateral relations following recent high-level engagements between Brussels and Manila.
Beyond security cooperation, Santoro highlighted expanding economic and investment opportunities between the EU and the Philippines, particularly through ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement that could further boost trade flows, business partnerships, and market access on both sides.
He also pointed to growing collaboration in climate action, renewable energy, digitalization, connectivity, and disaster resilience, citing the Copernicus Program as an example of how European technology and Philippine expertise can work together to support vulnerable communities.
In a sideline interview with THEPHILBIZNEWS, Santoro said the European Union and its member states remain committed to strengthening engagement with the Philippines beyond trade and security, including cooperation in investments, education, media freedom, human rights, and people-to-people exchanges.
Closing his remarks, the EU envoy expressed optimism over the continued momentum in EU-Philippines relations as official exchanges and collaborative initiatives between Brussels and Manila continue to expand.
“There is a lot that Europeans and Filipinos have in common. There is so much that we are learning every day from each other,” Santoro said.