ECCP Welcomes Conclusion of EU Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

MANILA — The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) has welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations for the European Union–Philippines Free Trade Agreement (EU-Philippines FTA), describing the development as a significant milestone in the long-standing economic partnership between the two sides.
In a statement issued on September 22, ECCP President Dr. Diana Edralin said the conclusion of negotiations could provide opportunities to expand trade, investment and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the European Union.
The negotiations were initially launched in 2015 but were later put on hold before formally resuming in March 2024. According to the ECCP, six rounds of negotiations were conducted following the resumption of talks. The European Commission likewise confirms that negotiations resumed in March 2024 following the earlier suspension. �
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The proposed agreement covers a broad range of areas, including trade in goods and services, investment, government procurement, digital trade, intellectual property, customs and trade facilitation, and sustainable development, according to the ECCP.
ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein said the conclusion of the negotiations marks the beginning of a new chapter for businesses in the Philippines and Europe. He said the agreement provides a framework for companies to trade, invest and participate in each other’s markets, including through services, investment, government procurement, digital trade and regional value chains.
Gottein also highlighted ECCP’s participation in the negotiating process, saying the chamber worked to bring the perspectives and priorities of European businesses in the Philippines to Philippine and European policymakers.
He cited the chamber’s engagements with EU Chief Negotiator Dora Correia, Philippine government counterparts and ECCP members as part of efforts to provide business-sector input during the negotiations.
For Philippine and European businesses, ECCP said the agreement could provide greater certainty and improved market access while creating opportunities for investment, trade and participation in European, Philippine and regional value chains.
The chamber said it now looks forward to the next stages, including the signing, ratification and eventual implementation of the agreement.
The European Commission’s trade information also notes that the conclusion of negotiations does not by itself put the agreement into force; agreements that have been negotiated still go through subsequent signature and ratification or adoption processes. �
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ECCP said it would continue working with Philippine and European business communities to help translate the opportunities created by the agreement into outcomes for companies, workers and consumers.
The conclusion comes as bilateral economic ties continue to develop. EU data show that bilateral trade in goods between the EU and the Philippines reached €17.6 billion in 2025, while EU foreign direct investment stock in the Philippines stood at €15.4 billion in 2024. �
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