European Union in the Philippines

Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President issued the following statement: More information here: https://bit.ly/413AX5s #EUinthePhilippines

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), in collaboration with the Department of Justice and the European Union, has successfully digitized the records of over 50,000 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) across its correctional facilities. This milestone was announced during an event at BuCor’s Headquarters in Muntinlupa, graced by top officials from the Department of Justice and H.E. Massimo Santoro, EU Ambassador to the Philippines. Supported by the European Union’s Governance in Justice Programme (EU-GOJUST), the digitization effort ensures that BuCor’s facilities nationwide now have real-time access to PDL records. This transformative development significantly improves case monitoring and facilitates the timely release of eligible inmates. “The main objective of the EU’s GOJUST programme is to promote access to justice to all, in the Philippines, including Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). And I am therefore very proud that the EU’s support to digitisation of carpetas, and our support to the building of the National Justice Information System, will help agencies in their efforts to decongest prisons”, said H.E. Massimo Santoro, EU Ambassador to the Philippines at the event Check the official press release: bit.ly/48Vnxdu

The Philippine Government and the European Union have launched a Technical Assistance Project aimed at enhancing the training, education, and working conditions of Filipino seafarers, a cornerstone of the global maritime workforce. Running from September 2024 to November 2027, this initiative supports the development of quality training, certification, and labour standards, allowing Filipino seafarers to work globally with internationally recognized credentials. EU Ambassador to the Philippines, Massimo Santoro, emphasized: “The European Union is partnering with the Philippines to improve and sustain the quality of the country’s system of maritime education, training and certification, and of recruitment and placement of seafarers for the benefit of its people, economy and of ultimately also of global trade.” The Seafarers Technical Assistance project will also carry out activities benefitting Indonesia and ASEAN nations, as part of the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) under the Global Gateway initiative. With a €60 million budget, SCOPE addresses several shared connectivity priorities to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the EU and ASEAN. Full press-release here: bit.ly/4fFC9Qq Photo credits: ILO Philippines #EUinthePhilippines

On October 30th, the European Union and the Philippines convened in Manila for the Fourth Subcommittee Meeting on Good Governance, Rule of Law, and Human Rights under the Philippines-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). This platform enabled both sides to reaffirm their commitment to peace, prosperity, and shared values—democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. 🇪🇺🇵🇭 Read the full press-release here: bit.ly/4fBAD1D

Ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on 2 November, High Representative Josep Borrell and Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, issued the following statement: More information here: https://bit.ly/3AoHxIO

🌏🌧️ In response to the devastation caused by tropical cyclone Trami (locally known as Kristine), the European Union has committed €1.5 million in emergency assistance to support the most impacted communities in the Philippines. This funding will provide urgent relief to people in hard-hit areas, including Bicol and Calabarzon, helping those who have lost their homes and remain displaced. During its path over Luzon, Visayas, and northern Mindanao, Trami triggered severe floods and landslides, leading to extensive damage and loss. Nearly one million individuals have been displaced, with around 7 million people affected. This latest support comes in addition to the €4.5 million in humanitarian aid already allocated to the Philippines this year, addressing recurring climate-related disasters across the nation. Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, shared: “I am saddened to see the Philippines impacted once again, just days after my visit to Manila. As I reiterated, the EU stands ready to help those facing the realities of climate disasters.” More information here: https://bit.ly/4frK9UW #EUinthePhilippines

Congratulations to the team of University of San Carlos Cebu as the champion of the EU Whiz 2024 Championship, a prestigious competition that recently took place online and at SM Aura. EU Whiz 2024 brought together some of the brightest students from across the nation to demonstrate their knowledge of the EU's history, institutions, and its 60-year partnership with the Philippines. 🏆 Champions: University of San Carlos  Team Members: John Michael Paman, Cearlovey Granali, and Eriko Angelo De Castro 🥈 1st Runner-Up: Ateneo de Manila University  Team Members: Juan Egie Follero, Ardy Emmanuel Tagle, and Daniel Christopher Galuna 🥉 2nd Runner-Up: Ateneo de Davao University  Team Members: French Bandong, Jhoanna Cayanan, and Kim Generalao EU Ambassador to the Philippines, Massimo Santoro, commended all participants for their remarkable performances, stating:  "I know the different elimination rounds have been very tough, and I am truly impressed by the excellent performance of all the teams. Binabati ko kayong lahat! You have a stake in the development of the relations between the EU and the Philippines." This competition underscores the important role that students will play as future opinion-makers and decision leaders in international relations. #EUWhiz2024 #EUinthePhilippines Read the full press-release here: bit.ly/3NJvfgZ

🎬✨ Cine Europa returns for its 27th edition, kicking off last, 18 October 2024! As the largest European Union film festival in the Philippines, it’s a month-long celebration of cinematic excellence that brings together Filipino film lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and the diplomatic community. Presented by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, in collaboration with EU Member States embassies, Goethe Institut, Institut Cervantes de Manila, the Philippine-Italian Association, and Ukraine as a guest country, Cine Europa 27 showcases over 20 films representing Europe's diverse cinematic landscape. Ambassador Massimo Santoro shared, “Cine Europa continues to build bridges between Europe and the Philippines, fostering cultural exchange through the powerful medium of film. This year’s edition offers a glimpse into Europe’s rich cultural diversity, showcasing stories that resonate universally with audiences across borders.” 🎥 The festival opened with a red-carpet event at Shangri-la Plaza’s Cinema 3, featuring the special screening of Long Story Short from Denmark, a comedy-drama that sets the tone for the festival’s rich lineup. Best of all, all screenings are FREE! Catch Cine Europa at multiple venues across the Philippines, including the University of the Cordilleras (Baguio), UP Cebu, University of San Agustin (Iloilo), and FDCP Cinematheque. In Cebu, for the first time, Cine Europa will debut at the University of the Philippines Cebu, running from 22-27 October 2024. Don’t miss this incredible celebration of European cinema! For more details, visit the Cine Europa 27 Facebook page: facebook.com/cineeuropaph Read our press releases here: bit.ly/4f9xZQu bit.ly/4dUJ8Um #EUinthePhilippines #CineEuropa27

Last Wednesday, The European Union (EU), the European Space Agency - ESA, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), and the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) celebrated an important EU Global Gateway milestone—the unveiling of the Copernicus Data Centre. This project is be the first Copernicus Earth observation data storing and processing facility in Asia and is part of the National Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme for the Philippines (CopPhil). The partners came together at the PhilSA headquarters in Quezon City, Metro Manila, for a "First Light" ceremony, referring to the first moment the Copernicus Data Centre captures the Earth observation images of the Philippines through European satellites. Read more through the official press release: bit.ly/3YwkvZO #EUinthePhilippines #GlobalGateway

Livestream link is up! Join us for this momentous occasion: https://lnkd.in/gphPQQzB