PH, EU reach 'substantial agreement' on free trade deal

The Philippines and the European Union (EU) on Tuesday announced a “substantial agreement” on a free trade arrangement.

This was announced by Philippine Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič in a joint press statement.

The FTA breakthrough came following a video call between the Roque and Šefčovič.

With the substantial agreement reached, the Philippines-EU FTA is now set “on a clear path towards its formal conclusion in the coming months.”

In a separate post on X (formerly Twitter), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she already spoke to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“We just agreed on a EU-Philippines free trade deal! This comes just three years after my visit to Manila to relaunch the negotiations,” von der Leyen said.

Spoke to President Marcos of the Philippines @bongbongmarcos.

We just agreed on a 🇪🇺🇵🇭 free trade deal!

This comes just 3 years after my visit to Manila to relaunch the negotiations.

I want to thank @MarosSefcovic for yet another trade success.https://t.co/Z0MYsPUNXr pic.twitter.com/QE9erFBAgR

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 22, 2026

Both the EU and the Philippines highlighted that the FTA will deliver the following:

• New opportunities for businesses, including MSMEs, as well as for farmers, manufacturers, and consumers on both sides
• Stronger, more diversified supply chains, critical at a moment when resilience has become a strategic priority
• Fair rules and real predictability, underpinned by a shared commitment to a more secure and stable global economy.

Moreover, the negotiating teams of both the Philippines and the EU were instructed to finalize the agreement “as soon as possible.” —VAL, GMA News