Crucial EU FTA talks accelerate

The Philippines is optimistic it can finalize a trade agreement with the economic giant, the European Union (EU), before the current administration’s term ends.

In an interview on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Straight Talk, the country’s chief negotiator for international trade, Undersecretary Atty. Allan Gepty shared updates on the revival of the foreign trade agreement (FTA) following its suspension eight years ago.

The initial negotiations began in May 2016 but were halted in 2017 during the second round.

At the time, former president Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs raised concerns, particularly over human rights violations.

“They [EU] decided not to engage with us for so many reasons, but we have really lobbied and advocated for resumption,” the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) official said.

Negotiations resumed in March last year. Talks formally restarted in October, followed by a second round in February this year and a third round just a week ago.

Deal before PBBM steps down

Gepty described the progress as “positive,” noting advancements in the text-based negotiations.

“Our negotiators are focusing on provisions, the articles, and of course we also have to finish the negotiation on market access,” he said, adding that they aim to conclude the agreement within the current administration’s term under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“By the progress we are making right now, I am confident that we can conclude the negotiations,” he said.

Gepty traveled to Brussels last week for the third round of negotiations, which included five days of talks.

EU chief negotiator Dora Correia praised the deal’s favorable momentum and stressed the importance of upholding a rules-based global trade order amid complex geopolitical challenges.

The fourth round of negotiations is set for October in Manila.

The DTI official said this could become the country’s “most comprehensive FTA” once completed, as it would cover not only the usual core chapters in an FTA—such as customs procedures, goods, services, and investment—but also intellectual property, competition, government procurement, and elements on trade and sustainable development. These would include provisions on labor, the environment, and good governance, among others.