EU to prioritize PH’s socio-economic recovery under PCA

MANILA – The European Union (EU) has agreed to prioritize the Philippines’ socio-economic recovery from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis under its Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with the country.

In a joint statement dated April 28, both sides said they are in the process of identifying strategic areas of cooperation for the next seven years, with a focus on promoting a green resilient economy, justice and peaceful society.

“It was agreed that one immediate priority will be to support the Philippines’ socio-economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. The EU and the Philippines welcomed the opportunity for the sub-committee to reflect shared values and common principles. The aim was to promote further the Philippines-EU cooperation partnership with a view to strengthening sustainable and peaceful development in the Philippines,” the joint statement read.

During a Sub-Committee Meeting on Development Cooperation last April 19, the two sides also discussed the progress of ongoing programs in the areas of peace process and the development in Mindanao, renewable energy and energy efficiency, justice sector reform, and other thematic fields, including education and regional program, among others.

Both sides agreed to streamline respective internal approval processes for proposed cooperation programs to allow more efficient collaboration between the EU and the Philippines.

“The EU and the Philippines exchanged views on the future cooperation priorities and cross-cutting issues for the upcoming new program cycle of 2021-2027. Both sides conveyed their interest in building cooperation and support to the peace agenda and the development in Mindanao, as well as the pursuit of justice sector reform,” the statement further read.

In the past nine months, the two parties have implemented various programs amounting to over 110 million euros (about PHP6.3 billion) under the PCA.

Just last week, the EU signed a grant agreement amounting to 4.5 million euros (about PHP261 million) with the National Electrification Administration (NEA), in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), to help energize and improve livelihoods for off-grid, marginalized and under-served communities in Mindanao.

Aside from development projects, the two sides also considered new avenues of cooperation to contribute to climate action and sustainable development, such as supporting green transition in the Philippines, reduction of carbon emissions, improvement of plastic waste management, and promotion of green digital connectivity, among others.

The EU reiterated that its cooperation aligns with the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and underscored the importance of the Philippines as an essential partner in the region.

Among others, both sides sought to “closely link” their bilateral cooperation to the regional agenda of the Association of Southeast Nations.

“In this context, both sides are committed to addressing key challenges in the region by contributing to sustainable development, promoting regional integration, and enhancing the connectivity between Southeast Asia and the EU,” the statement said.

The Sub-Committee on Development Cooperation was created during the first Philippine-EU Joint Committee Meeting under the PCA, which took place on January 28, 2020 in Brussels, Belgium.