European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro didn’t just deliver a lecture — he ignited a conversation. As he toured universities across the country, engaging young minds on the EU’s evolving role in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, the diplomat made one thing clear: the future of international relations isn’t confined to boardrooms — it begins in classrooms.

His tour, anchored in the event titled “The European Union: A Vital Partner for the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and Beyond,” underscored the EU’s significance as both a development and security actor in an increasingly complex global landscape.

The initiative, a collaboration between the European Studies Association of the Philippines and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance, provided an insightful platform for discourse on EU-Philippine relations, security challenges and economic cooperation.

Benilde SDG Consular and Diplomatic Affairs/Diplomacy and International Affairs Faculty and Practicum Coordinator Josue Raphael Cortez emphasized the growing geopolitical weight of the EU in the region. “This lecture series is timely, given that the EU is increasingly asserting itself not just as a development actor but as a security partner amid the challenges faced by the Philippines and Southeast Asia,” he noted.

At the heart of the discussion were pressing issues such as trade relations, geopolitical tensions and the evolving nature of EU-Philippine cooperation. The open forum proved particularly engaging, with students and faculty directing thought-provoking questions at Santoro, including inquiries on the potential global repercussions of US President Donald Trump’s reelection. The ambassador provided insights into how such a shift in leadership might affect the EU’s engagement with the US and, by extension, its strategic approach in Southeast Asia.

Joining Santoro at the event were Political Affairs Officer Thelma Gecolea and intern Nadine Ismael, representing the EU Delegation to the Philippines. Adding intellectual depth to the discourse, ESAP president and Ateneo European Studies Program director Dr. Manuel Enverga III — renowned as the first Filipino to receive a Jean Monnet Chair position — served as the reactor, offering critical analyses of the discussions.

The lecture series attracted students from various partner institutions, including De La Salle University-Manila, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, San Beda University-Rizal Campus and Muntinlupa Business High School-Sucat Annex. Their participation underscored a growing interest in global affairs among young Filipinos, highlighting the importance of diplomatic engagement at the academic level.

By fostering conversations on diplomacy, security and economic interdependence, Santoro’s initiative reinforced the EU’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Philippines — not merely as a trading partner but as a pivotal ally in navigating the shifting tides of global politics.