THE Philippines-European Union (EU) Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) will focus on a green resilient economy, justice, and peace in the next seven years.
In a statement, the EU said, however, that the immediate priority of its assistance to the Philippines will be in supporting socioeconomic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.
These were discussed during a recent meeting between the EU and Philippine governments for the new program cycle of 2021 to 2027.
“The meeting reviewed ongoing cooperation in areas such as peace and development in Mindanao, sustainable energy, and justice reforms. Both sides discussed the strategic areas of cooperation over the next seven years, with a focus on promoting a green resilient economy, justice and a peaceful society,” the EU said.
The EU said both governments agreed to cooperate on the peace agenda and development in Mindanao, as well as the pursuit of justice sector reform. They also considered new avenues of cooperation that will contribute to climate action and sustainable development in focal areas.
These focal areas are referenced in the Philippine Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which includes supporting the green transition; reduction of carbon emissions; improving plastic waste management; and promoting green digital connectivity, among others.
Over the past nine months, the EU said it has extended a total of P6.3 billion or over EUR 110 million and extended a EUR 4.5 million or P261 million for an off-grid energy project in Mindanao.
The assistance will be used for a project undertaken by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), to help energize and improve livelihoods for off-grid, marginalized and under-served communities in Mindanao.
“In addition, lessons learnt and operational matters were reviewed to enhance cooperation; and coordination mechanisms were also examined,” EU said.
“In this context, it was agreed to streamline respective internal approval processes for proposed cooperation programs where possible, to enable a more efficient collaboration between the EU and the Philippines,” it added.
On April 19, 2021, the Government of the Philippines and EU held the first meeting of the Sub-Committee on Development Cooperation under the PCA on a virtual platform.
The Sub-Committee on Development Cooperation was created during the first PH-EU Joint Committee Meeting under the Philippines-EU PCA, which took place on January 28, 2020 in Brussels, Belgium. With the launch of this Sub-committee, a significant step has been made towards a fully-fledged implementation of the PCA.
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