Brussels, 08/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 6 September, the European Commission presented to Council a proposal for a decision on the signing of a framework agreement on partnership and cooperation (PCA) between the European Union and the Philippines. When the agreement was initialled on 25 June this year, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton had pointed out that it would “strengthen considerably the dialogue, cooperation and action across the whole spectrum of bilateral relations, specifically in the political domain, on trade and investment, justice and security, migration as well as on economic and development issues”. (EUROPE 10168).
The PCA with the Philippines is the second of its kind in South-East Asia, after that with Indonesia signed in November 2009. This is the very first bilateral agreement with the Philippines and supersedes the current legal framework of the 1980 cooperation agreement with the European Economic Community and member countries of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The PCA contains legally binding commitments which are central to the EU's foreign policy, including provisions on human rights, non-proliferation, counter-terrorism, the International Criminal Court, migration and taxation. It also includes areas of current interest such as the peace process and disaster risk management.
The PCA broadens considerably the scope for mutual engagement in the economic and trade area as well as justice and home affairs. It provides opportunities for cooperation in areas such as the environment and climate change, energy, and science and technology, as well as maritime and air transport. The agreement also addresses money laundering and terrorist financing, illicit drugs, organised crime and corruption. It has an important development component, including for the first time strict provisions for the protection of the EU's financial interests. The PCA also has an important trade cooperation section, which should facilitate free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations in accordance with EU policy to conclude FTAs with ASEAN countries.
Politically, the Commission states, the PCA with the Philippines marks an “important step towards strengthening the EU's role in South-East Asia, based on shared universal values such as democracy and human rights. It paves the way for enhancing the political, regional and global cooperation between two like-minded partners. The implementation of the PCA will entail practical benefits for both sides, forming a basis for the promotion of the EU's broader political and economic interests. This is particularly important in a region that is traditionally oriented towards China and the United States”.
In November 2004, the Council also authorised the Commission to negotiate individual framework agreements with the South-East Asian countries of Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. (O.L./transl.jl)