The Philippines and the European Union (EU) are targeting the conclusion of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations by the middle of 2026. The next round of talks will be held in Brussels early next year to finalize discussions on the text-based and market access components of the deal.
Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty told reporters at the conclusion of the 11th Philippines-EU Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Meeting in Manila—which also tackled the PH-EU FTA—that the goal remains to wrap up negotiations by next year.
“That’s our target, mid of 2026,” he said.
A source disclosed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to visit France next year and may witness the signing of the bilateral trade deal between the Philippines and the EU. Gepty, however, said he has “no idea” regarding the President’s possible visit to France.
With just over six months to go, Gepty said the next round of negotiations “will be quick,” noting that discussions are ongoing with “intercessions” in between formal rounds. In fact, immediately after the conclusion of the fourth round of negotiations on October 24, 2025, both parties began tackling the market access aspect of the FTA.
Gepty expressed confidence that this phase—which covers goods, services, investment, and government procurement—can be completed within the set timeline.
“It’s a priority. We really need this. This is one of the FTAs that we really need,” he said, adding that France’s role in advancing the FTA is crucial as it is one of the EU’s major economies.
He emphasized that France has been “very supportive of the Philippine advocacy to push for the PH-EU FTA negotiation.” “So, we really have to maintain good relations with them,” he added.
France ranked as the Philippines’ 19th largest trading partner in 2024, with total trade valued at USD1.54 billion. It was also the 20th biggest market for Philippine exports and the eighth largest source of imports, valued at USD1.4 billion.
According to Gepty, studies show there remain billions of dollars in untapped export potential to the EU market, largely due to two factors: a lack of awareness of market opportunities and the limited capacity of Philippine exporters to comply with EU standards and regulations.
Magali Cesana, 11th JEC co-chair and head of Bilateral Affairs French Treasury , representing the French delegation, said the current level of trade relations “is not enough” given the vast potential between the two economies. She admitted that “there is little awareness of the Philippines in France,” which is why France has been proactive in sending officials to the country earlier this year.
The French delegation to the 11th JEC Meeting also included a business delegation representing various industries.
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