EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement: Trade Must Not Be Built on Human Rights Violations

The European Union (EU) is currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Philippines, presenting it as part of a forward‑looking economic partnership and a cornerstone of the EU’s green transition strategy. However, proceeding with these negotiations under the current conditions risks exacerbating human rights violations, land conflicts, and environmental destruction in the Philippines.

European Civil Society Organisations (CSO) express serious concern that the EU’s drive to secure access to critical raw materials and expand market access is increasingly taking precedence over human rights, environmental integrity, climate objectives, the rule of law, and the protection of affected communities.