PH, EU begin mending relations

BRUSSELS – Relations between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) are heading toward a “mending” phase following conciliatory moves by the former.

The Philippines named Edu-

ardo de Vega as the country’s new ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the Commission of the European Communities, and the Council of the European Union. The Philippine Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs also approved the long-delayed PH-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA).

Bilateral relations between EU and the Philippines soured following President Duterte’s outbursts against the 28-member union for their “interference” on the government’s no-nonsense war on illegal drugs.

But the two events last week could serve as positive signals toward mending broken relationships.

The Philippine ambassadorial position had been vacant since September last year until De Vega’s confirmation by the Commission on Appointments last week.

With De Vega’s appointment, the Philippine embassy sees a more active role now in the EU. It has since been working backdoor without an ambassador.

Already, the Philippine embassy here has been busy preparing for the arrival of De Vega, who may be able to come over by January or February next year yet and upon the completion of his credentials for presentation here.

Following the confirmation, the host government is expected to issue an agreement, accepting the new envoy. Then the new ambassador will present his credentials to the King of Belgium, EU President Donald Tusk and to the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Already, the embassy has to prepare the networking for the new ambassador, who is expected to resume efforts at rebuilding relations and promoting the Philippines in EU. The embassy here has jurisdictions over Belgium, Luxembourg, the EU Commission, and the EU Council.

“The appointment of the new ambassador shows the value of relations of the two countries,” the Philippine embassy here said.

The EU also warmly welcomed the appointment of De Vega, whose last assignment was in Mexico.

On the PCA approval by the Senate committee, EU officials here cited it as a step in the right direction.

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez also welcomed this development.

The Senate committee’s approval of the PCA, a flatform of cooperation for both sides, will pave the way for the deal’s ratification and implementation.

It was recalled that then President Aquino signed the PCA for Senate ratification but there was no more time to act on it. Hopes for the PCA dimmed following President Duterte’s tirade against the EU.

“PCA is good for us. Long-delayed actually. To provide framework for the overall relationship between PH and EU, and good for our economic and political relations,” said Lopez.

“This can strengthen further our GSP+ (Generalized System of Preferences Plus) arrangements and keep us engaged and committed to the relationship, including respect for each others’ sovereignty and we follow internal official procedures if there are issues to be discussed and settled.”

Lopez expects the implementation of the PCA by the first quarter next year.

When asked what should be are the priority working groups to be convened under the PCA, lopez said it should be trade and investments.

The EU side, however, cited human rights as their priority.

The diplomacy started last year with the appointment of former Senate President Edgardo Angara as special envoy to EU. In September this year, Angara together with Lopez went to EU in an apparent attempt to tame down impact of the soured relationship on the country’s privileges under the EU GSP Plus. As a unilateral tool, EU can withdraw the duty-free privilege on more than 6,000 products from the Philippines.

Although EU is the country’s second largest trading partner, bilateral trade and investment with Belgium has been small.

But Deputy Chief of Mission Alan L. Deniega said EU businessmen have strong interest in the Philippines.

There are lots of business opportunities in the Philippines, especially on areas where foreigners have no equity restrictions, he said.

Besides, the Philippine economy has been growing at a pace that is second highest only to China.

Bilateral trade with EU is also growing at a faster clip, fueled by airline companies’ acquisition of Airbus aircraft and growing exports in light of the GSP Plus Program of EU.

The trade balance though is still heavily tilted in favor of EU largely due to aircraft importation.

Exports to EU grew 36 percent in the first half this year as the impact of the GSP+ is gaining momentum and is expected to further grow.