EU ambassador: PH facing important choices to set course

As the May 9 vote draws closer, European Union (EU) ambassador Franz Jessen said that the Philippines is facing a major crossroad that will set its global pace in the coming years.

“The saying ‘It is more fun in the Philippines’ is correct.  But the Philippines is also facing important choices that will set the future course of the country. The country is on a good track, one of the fastest growing economies in Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and a country with a great potential that should be unleashed,” Jessen said in a speech during the Europe Day reception at Dusit Thani Makati on Thursday.

“These are historic times.  You will in a couple of days’ time elect a new President, a Vice President, and a Congress.  We will see a new administration take shape, and new policies being formulated.  It is an important time in your history,” he added.

Jessen also noted of a “milestone in the history” of EU-Philippines relations, as the union celebrates its 25th year of opening in the country.

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It was in 1991 when the late president and democracy icon Corazon Aquino inaugurated the office of the EU delegation in Manila.

Noting that engagement was a good determining factor for bilateral relations, Jessen said political cooperation between EU and the Philippines has intensified in the past years.

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“The Philippines and the EU are working together bilaterally and with Asean to address the global challenges that we both face,” he said.

The EU has focused on four areas of cooperation with the Philippines, namely trade, development cooperation, political cooperation, and culture and information activities. From 2012 to 2014, EU grants reached €533 million (P28.6 billion) as it focused on two priority sectors: inclusive growth through access to sustainable energy and job creation and the strengthening of the rule of law through judicial and legal reforms.

In December last year, the EU Delegation to the Philippines also launched a project in support of the peace process in Mindanao by providing € 5.5 million (P295 million) for a smooth transition to an autonomous Bangsamoro region. YG/IDL