MISAMIS ORIENTAL — European Union (EU) officials reaffirmed their growing security and defense partnership with the Philippines this week, pledging continued support for Manila’s position in the West Philippine Sea and the international rules-based order.

During a high-level visit to Northern Mindanao in January, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro said bilateral engagement has deepened significantly, particularly through the EU-Philippines Security and Defense Dialogue launched last year.

“The cooperation of the EU and its member states with the Philippines is stronger,” Santoro said. “Our security and defense relationship is growing a lot.”

The ambassador reiterated the EU’s consistent stance against unilateral actions in the West Philippine Sea, noting that European support is expressed through political, diplomatic and operational channels.

Santoro stressed that the EU remains committed to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award.

Meantime, French Ambassador Marie Fontanel underscored the role of international law in addressing maritime disputes and environmental challenges. She highlighted the recent ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty, also known as the High Seas Treaty.

France and the Philippines were among the first to ratify the agreement, which aims to protect marine life in international waters.

Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin added that EU member states are increasingly active in Philippine waters to demonstrate solidarity. He noted that European nations are participating as observers in naval exercises, conducting port calls and performing freedom of navigation operations to strengthen military cooperation.

The diplomatic mission confirmed the EU plans to expand its partnership with the Philippines beyond maritime security to include human rights, climate change and disaster risk reduction.