European Union in the Philippines

As part of Bangsamoro Government's continuing efforts to modernise its digital infrastructure and align with international standards, Dr. Jonathan Mantikayan, Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Information and Communications Technology Office, participated in the Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Summer School in Estonia from 15–19 June 2026.

Supported by the European Union through the Global Gateway strategy, this expert-led training focused on cybersecurity, digital governance and critical infrastructure, which are key priorities for the Bangsamoro Region.

This initiative reflects the EU and BARMM's commitment to stronger governance, international cooperation and a resilient digital future for the people of the Bangsamoro.

On 8 June 2026, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck offshore Sarangani, southern Mindanao. The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) has been activated to support damage assessment in 3 areas of interest: Maasim, Kiamba, and Calumpang. To date, three mapping products have already been delivered.

With its rapid damage assessment mapping products, Copernicus supports emergency responders and decision-makers in prioritizing response efforts and allocating resources effectively.

Read more about the activation here: https://mapping.emergency.copernicus.eu/activations/EMSR882/

🇪🇺🇵🇭 Strengthening partnerships in Northern Luzon.

Over the past days, EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro visited Cagayan and Isabela, engaging with students, educators, local government officials, cultural stakeholders, and community representatives.

The visit included a commencement address at St. Paul University Philippines, meetings with local government leaders in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, and Isabela, discussions on education, skills development, climate resilience, sustainable development, and economic opportunities, as well as visits to important cultural and heritage sites across the region.

The European Union remains committed to working with partners across the Philippines to promote education, people-to-people exchanges, sustainable growth, and resilient communities.

🌽♻️ From the Corn Capital of the Philippines to a model for circular economy.

H.E. Massimo Santoro, the European Union Ambassador to the Philippines visited the City of Ilagan, Isabela, to engage with local leaders, businesses, communities, farmers, Indigenous Peoples, women, youth and other partners working to advance Ilagan’s vision of becoming a Liveable City through Circular Economy.

Ilagan’s approach shows how circular economy can go beyond waste management. By building on its strong agricultural base, local enterprises, rattan resources, corn production and community initiatives, the city is exploring how existing assets can be used more efficiently, create green jobs, reduce waste and open new opportunities for inclusive growth.

The visit included exchanges with the City Government, private sector representatives and local stakeholders. A team of the EU Delegation also visited circular economy and agro-industrial initiatives, including the Rattan Processing Facility and the iCorn Complex.

Through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, the Eurooean Union - Philippones Green Economy Partnership continues to support cities like Ilagan in strengthening green governance, mobilising sustainable investments and turning circular economy plans into practical solutions for people, businesses and the environment.

As Ilagan’s circular economy vision puts it: “Nothing is wasted, no one is left behind.”

🇪🇺🇵🇭 Honouring the legacy of Dr. José Rizal and exploring the rich cultural heritage of Cagayan.

EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro paid tribute at the Rizal Monument in Tuguegarao City before visiting the Cagayan Museum and Heritage Center and other historical landmarks across the city.

The visit provided valuable insights into the province's history, traditions, and ongoing efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage for future generations.

🎓 Yesterday, EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro delivered the commencement address at the 2026 Graduation Exercises of St. Paul University Philippines in Tuguegarao City.

Speaking under the theme “Creating Paulinian Legacy in a Transforming World,” Ambassador Santoro encouraged graduates to embrace leadership, resilience, and global citizenship as they navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

The Ambassador highlighted the European Union's commitment to education, youth empowerment, research, and international cooperation through programmes such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, which continue to create opportunities for Filipino students, researchers, and higher education institutions.

The European Union congratulates the graduates of St. Paul University Philippines and wishes them every success as they embark on the next chapter of their journey.
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Oil prices may have risen because of the Iran conflict, but they will not save Russia's economy. Windfall gains were significantly offset by a stronger currency and subsidy payments to oil companies and refiners.

In the first four months of 2026, Russia's budget deficit reached 5.9 trillion roubles, already far above the 3.8 trillion planned for the whole year. More than 200,000 businesses have closed since January. Interest rates remain high. Corporate debt has nearly doubled since the full-scale invasion. Labour shortages are persistent, taxes are rising, and domestic demand is falling.

EU sanctions, now 20 packages in force, continue to restrict Russia's access to technology, finance, logistics and energy markets, imposing long-term structural costs. Higher oil prices give Russia short-term breathing space. They do not fix the structural damage. The pressure continues.

🇪🇺🇵🇭 Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!

As the Philippines celebrates the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the European Union extends its warmest greetings to the Filipino people.

EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro joined the national celebrations at Rizal Park, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, honoring the country's history, resilience, and enduring commitment to freedom.

The EU remains committed to a strong partnership with the Philippines, grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and cooperation for peace, sustainable development, and prosperity.

♻️🇪🇺🇵🇭 Advancing circular economy solutions through local partnerships.

The EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership signed award letters with Iligan City, the Island Garden City of Samal, and Zamboanga City to support the development of inclusive circular economy public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Through technical assistance and feasibility studies, these pilot projects will help address local environmental and infrastructure challenges, promote resource efficiency, and create opportunities for more inclusive and sustainable local economies.

Funded by the European Union under , the initiative brings together local governments, the private sector, and development partners to accelerate the Philippines' green transition and build replicable models for future circular economy investments across the country.

🇪🇺🇵🇭 Strengthening dialogue with the next generation.

EEAS Head of the Southeast Asia & ASEAN Division Leila Fernandez-Stembridge delivered a lecture at the University of the Philippines on EU-Philippines relations, ASEAN-EU cooperation, and the evolving partnership between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange views with students, faculty, and members of the academic community on shared challenges and opportunities in trade, security, sustainable development, and regional cooperation.

During her visit, Ms. Fernandez-Stembridge also met with University of the Philippines President Angelo A. Jimenez to discuss opportunities for further engagement between the EU and the academic community.

The lecture opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr., UP Vice President for Research and Innovation, and concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Karl Robert B. Jandoc of the UP School of Economics. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Dave Centeno of the UP Virata School of Business and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.

The EU values engagement with young people and looks forward to seeing future leaders contribute to stronger EU-Philippines and ASEAN-EU relations in the years ahead.

Our sincere thanks to the University of the Philippines for organising and hosting this valuable discussion.