A delegation from the European Parliament has thrown its weight behind efforts to revive negotiations for a free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Union, signaling renewed momentum for a long-anticipated pact.
Members of the Parliament’s International Trade Committee, known as INTA, met Philippine officials on February 17 during an official visit to Manila, reaffirming support for a comprehensive and rules-based trade deal. The delegation was led by INTA Chair Bernd Lange, who stressed the strategic value of closer economic ties amid mounting geopolitical uncertainty.
“We are pushing for the negotiation and hopefully through the ratification of a trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Union,” Lange said in a post shared by the committee’s press service. He emphasized that a fair, rules-based partnership between reliable allies is crucial in today’s volatile global environment.
During talks with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, the delegation highlighted the Philippines’ strong growth trajectory and export potential. Lange pointed to the steady flow of Philippine goods reaching European markets, saying there is clear room to deepen trade flows and unlock further opportunities.
The INTA team is also consulting lawmakers, business leaders and labor groups to ensure any eventual agreement delivers broad-based benefits.
“At the end of the day, the benefit of such an improvement of trade and partnership is really going to the people on the ground,” Lange said, expressing hope that both sides could announce substantial progress toward a deal before year-end.
