The Philippines, an archipelagic nation of approximately 7,000 islands in South-East Asia, is classified as a lower middle-income country. It has a fast-growing economy and a population exceeding 112 million people.
Renowned as the most disaster-prone country globally, the Philippines is also home to over 70% of the world's biodiversity in terms of plant and animal species. The country's policy priorities are geared towards embracing the green and digital transition, aiming to position itself as a leading digital hub in Asia.
Our partnership
The European Union's partnership with the Philippines is centered around two key priorities: supporting the twin green and digital transition and perpetuating the long-standing cooperation on good governance and the peace process in Mindanao. Both priorities align with the Philippines Development Plan, and the Global Gateway and Indo-Pacific Strategies.
Team Europe in the Philippines is a collaborative effort involving the EU, Germany, France, Spain, and Finland, with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Member States' development banks.
Through the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe), the EU has allocated €147 million in funding to its partnership with the Philippines for the period 2021-2024. Additional investments are set to be mobilised via the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), the main financial instrument under the Global Gateway Strategy.
At the EU-ASEAN Summit in December 2022, the EU announced plans for an expected investment from Team Europe of approximately €10 billion for South-East Asia. As a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines benefits from this regional collaboration, particularly through two Global Gateway flagships initiatives: the regional Team Europe Initiatives on Green and Sustainable Connectivity with ASEAN.
- 8 MARCH 2022
- 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 27 MAY 2024
- 15 DECEMBER 2023
- 7 DECEMBER 2022
Our flagship initiatives
- Green and digital transition
Aiming to support the Philippines in its green and digital transition, contributing to climate action and sustainable development.
- Green economy
The Green Economy Team Europe Initiative assists the Philippines in moving towards a circular economy model, enhancing waste management practices, and tackling the plastic crisis. It promotes energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy sources as key strategies for mitigating climate change. Local governments and the private sector, both within the Philippines and the EU, are crucial partners in this green transition.
- Copernicus
Launching the first Copernicus programme in South-East Asia for disaster risk management, and establishing a data centre hub (mirror site).
- Digital Economy Package
Supporting the Philippines' ambition to become a digital hub through the Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity. This initiative is designed to enhance secure and reliable digital connections both within the country and internationally, expand the Copernicus initiative in ASEAN, strengthen cybersecurity measures, and support the deployment of 5G networks.
- Peaceful and just society
Continuing the long-term partnership between the EU and the Philippine government, notably by:
- Peace: Promoting an integrated approach to consolidate the peace process in Mindanao.
- Good governance and rule of law: Strengthening access to justice in the Philippines with targeted efforts to address corruption and uphold human rights and gender equality.
- Seafarers
Offering support to further enhance the education, training, and certification system for seafarers.