Philippines and EU Strengthen Commitment to Upholding Rules-based International Order

Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro met with the EU Political and Security Committee on 23 October 2024 in Brussels.  She was received by EEAS Deputy Managing Director Paola Pampaloni and PSC Chair Ambassador Delphine Pronk. 

BRUSSELS 25 October 2024 – Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro thanked the European Union and its Member States for their unwavering support of the Philippines in promoting the rule of law and a rules-based international order.  The Undersecretary had an open and candid   dialogue with the Ambassadors of the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC) on 23 October at the European Council Building in Brussels. 

PSC Chair Ambassador Delphine Pronk reaffirmed, on behalf of the members of the Committee, the EU's commitment to the principles of freedom of navigation and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). She highlighted that these principles are not only fundamental to the EU's core values but are also vital for the EU's economic interests. Ambassador Pronk expressed enthusiasm for Undersecretary Lazaro’s visit to Brussels and the potential to enhance the Philippine-EU relationship.

The European Union has consistently voiced its support for the Philippines, condemning dangerous actions by Chinese Coast Guard vessels against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea. The Philippines appreciates the EU’s commitment in being a steadfast partner of the Philippines in upholding the UN Charter, UNCLOS, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.  

Undersecretary Lazaro and the PSC Ambassadors also engaged in a productive exchange on global issues, including the situation in the Indo-Pacific and other pressing regional and global challenges. 

They reflected on the long-standing and meaningful partnership between the Philippines and the EU, discussing avenues to further strengthen their collaboration built over six decades on a shared commitment to peace and prosperity. The meeting discussed ways of boosting further sectoral cooperation between the Philippines and the EU.  They also looked into avenues in which the EU could support the Philippines in its strategic goals and agreed that security, trade, and climate action could be areas of further cooperation.

The EU PSC, consisting of Ambassadors representing 27 EU-member states and the European External Action Service (EEAS), regularly meets with a visiting high-level guest to hear first-hand their views on the country’s key priorities.  This is the first time that the Philippines has been invited to the meeting.  END