PH-EU FTA talks advance with focus on transparency, regulation

The Philippines is pushing for greater transparency and better regulatory practices as part of ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said on Monday.

ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez, who leads the country’s negotiating team for the Transparency and Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) chapters of the agreement, emphasized the importance of fair competition and open trade frameworks in laying a “strong foundation” for the broader FTA.

“We believe that these negotiations on Transparency and GRP will create a strong foundation for the overall PH-EU FTA and contribute positively to its successful ratification and implementation,” Perez said in a statement.

The third round of formal talks between the Philippines and EU officials took place in Brussels from June 16 to 20, 2025. This round follows earlier sessions held in October 2024 and February 2025, marking the continued revival of negotiations after a years-long pause.

Initial FTA talks launched in 2016 had stalled amid EU concerns over human rights issues in the Philippines. The current discussions aim to rebuild momentum toward a comprehensive trade pact that promotes openness, investment, and regulatory alignment.

The European Union is the Philippines' fourth-largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment, making the FTA a key economic initiative for the Marcos administration.

Officials say the transparency and regulatory chapters are critical to aligning domestic practices with international standards, and ensuring that the final agreement supports both economic growth and institutional reform.