EU to continue giving aid to Phl – envoy

By PIA LEE-BRAGO

The European Union (EU) will continue its development assistance to the Philippines until formally notified and clarified over President Duterte’s policy not to accept grants from the bloc, EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said yesterday.

“We will take it step by step. We are not withdrawing any amount. We are in contact with the government about how best to work on the development assistance,” Jessen said.

He said EU’s development assistance comes with “standard conditions” that are not related to human rights or any other concerns.

“Standard conditions on aid apply to all development assistance in other countries,” Jessen pointed out.

Duterte earlier said the Philippines will no longer accept aid from the EU, pointing out the bloc continues to criticize his campaign against illegal drugs.

He accused the EU of interfering in the country’s domestic affairs for imposing human rights regulations in exchange for aid.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said Friday that the Philippines’ relations with the EU are going to be “rocky” or a “roller-coaster ride” following rejection of the bloc’s grants.

He said Duterte’s pronouncement was a red line drawn, a respectful way of telling the EU not to interfere in domestic affairs.

Cayetano expressed support for Duterte’s decision not to accept grants from the EU that have conditions or strings attached.

He described Duterte’s rejection of EU aid as a “good” move to show that the Philippines is an independent nation with independent foreign policy.

Over the past 25 years, the EU has been a key actor in the region, known for working alongside the Philippine government to promote peace, human security and development in the most vulnerable, conflict-affected communities.

Currently, more than 35 million euros or P1.8 billion are invested in ongoing projects under different funding tools to provide support to peace in Mindanao.