Makati, Philippines — 22 September 2026 - The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) warmly welcomes the successful conclusion of negotiations for the European Union–Philippines Free Trade Agreement (EU–PH FTA), marking a monumental milestone in the economic partnership between the Philippines and the EU. This landmark achievement makes the Philippines only the third country in ASEAN—following Singapore and Vietnam—to conclude a bilateral free trade agreement with the European Union, cementing the nation’s status as a premier hub for European trade and investment in the Indo-Pacific.
First launched in December 2015, paused in 2017, and formally resumed in March 2024, the negotiations spanned almost a decade of dedicated diplomatic and technical engagement. The resulting modern, comprehensive deal covers critical areas including trade in goods and services, investment, government procurement, digital trade, intellectual property, trade facilitation, sustainable food systems, and trade and sustainable development.
“The successful conclusion of these negotiations is a historic first for Philippine-European economic relations,” said Dr. Diana Edralin, President of ECCP. “After years of rigorous dialogue, we now have a world-class framework that establishes a predictable foundation for trade and investment. For the Philippines, securing this agreement as a pioneer in ASEAN demonstrates our economic resilience and readiness to compete globally.”
Dr. Edralin emphasized that while reaching the end of negotiations is a major triumph, the critical work now shifts toward domestic approval and political momentum. “We strongly urge legislators and political leaders from both the Philippines and the European Union to demonstrate swift, decisive commitment to the ratification process,” Dr. Edralin added. “Ensuring an expedited legislative approval in both the Philippine Congress and the European Parliament will allow our business communities, workforce, and consumers to realize the full economic dividends of this historic pact without delay.
“For the business community, the agreement offers far more than traditional tariff reduction—it provides long-term clarity for global supply chains and cross-border expansion.
“This is the beginning of a transformative chapter,” said Florian Gottein, Executive Director of ECCP. “European companies gain a robust, stable platform to expand their footprint in the Philippines, while Philippine exporters secure preferential access to a high-income market of nearly 450 million consumers. We now call on policymakers on both sides to maintain this strong momentum through the signing and ratification phases to unlock these opportunities as soon as possible.”
The ECCP reaffirms its dedication to guiding its members and the broader business ecosystem through the agreement's implementation, working alongside both Philippine and EU institutions to turn this historic deal into tangible, long-term economic growth.
Serving the European-Philippine business community since 1978, the ECCP remains committed to enabling cross-sector collaboration, promoting economic growth, and championing a sustainable future. For inquiries or further information, you may contact us directly or connect with us through our official social media channels.