The Philippines and the European Union are closing in on a free trade agreement (FTA), moving in step with the target set by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque to wrap up negotiations by June or July this year.
Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan Gepty said negotiators from both sides will meet in Brussels from June 29 to July 3 for another round of talks focused on resolving the remaining issues in the pact.
Recent negotiations in Manila delivered major progress, with both parties reporting improved market access for goods, services, investments, and government procurement following the sixth negotiation round that concluded last week.
The European Parliament said discussions have advanced across key sectors, signaling growing momentum toward finalizing one of the Philippines’ most significant trade agreements in recent years.
Gepty described the proposed FTA as a “transformative opportunity” for the Philippines, saying it would expand access to the EU’s single market of more than 450 million consumers while drawing European investments into renewable energy, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation.
For the EU, the agreement is expected to deepen its economic presence in Southeast Asia, strengthen supply chain resilience, and reinforce shared commitments on sustainable development, labor standards, and good governance.
Gepty added that the Philippines is positioning itself as a strategic gateway for European businesses seeking stronger access to the broader ASEAN market as negotiations enter the final stretch.
