RP pushes expanded economic, security cooperation with EU

The Philippines is pushing for an expanded economic and security cooperation agreement with the European Union.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for International Relations Edsel Custodio said the Philippines and the EU last month began negotiations on the draft agreement, also known as Partnership Cooperation Agreement, and exchanged views on specific areas relating to the accord in Brussels, Belgium.

Some of these areas include human rights, migration, security, intellectual property, counter-terrorism and the role of civil society.

Custodio met with EU officials James Moran, Director for Asia, and Seamus Gillespie, Head of Unit of Southeast Asia at the European Commission, and discussed issues of mutual concern.

“The Philippines welcomes the negotiation of a partnership agreement with the European Union as this will enhance our relations with EU which is a major player in international politics and economics,” Custodio said.

“Enhanced cooperation and dialogue is always beneficial for us and I see this proposed agreement as an opportunity on our part to promote cooperation and dialogue with our EU partners,” he added.

However, the Philippines may be forced to ratify the Rome Statute creating the International Criminal Court before it could enter into an expanded free trade and security agreement with the EU.

Part of the proposed Partnership Cooperation Agreement, which is on the initial stage of negotiations, is protection of human rights and the implementation of the ICC.

The ICC will have jurisdiction over perpetrators of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.   – Pia Lee-Brago