On July 31st, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Antonia Loyzaga and the EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron signed an agreement to formalize their joint efforts on this initiative, called the Green Economy Program in the Philippines (GEPP).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen witnessed the signing.
The EU will provide 60 million euros as a grant to support the GEPP’s implementation, focusing on recycling and renewable energy.
President Marcos thanked the EU for supporting eco-friendly goals, aiming for a strong partnership and economic recovery.
Before the agreement was signed, President Marcos and EU Commission President von der Leyen also discussed other potential partnerships.
These included revitalizing the Philippines-EU Free Trade Agreement, extending recognition for Filipino seafarers, and installing an early warning system for disasters.
The European Union is currently the fourth largest trading partner of the Philippines, and this new cooperation between the two signifies their almost 60-year-long diplomatic ties.
Source: Inside Politico | #InsidePolitico | August 1, 2023