CEBU CITY, Philippines — ASEAN and European Union (EU) leaders last week called for stronger regional cooperation and urgent action on sustainability, energy transition and economic resilience as Southeast Asia faces mounting pressure from an ongoing energy crisis and supply chain disruptions.
Speaking at the inaugural ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit 2026 in Cebu, government officials, diplomats and business leaders stressed that sustainability has become central to the region’s long-term economic stability and competitiveness.
The summit, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, gathered more than 200 policymakers, ambassadors and senior industry executives from across ASEAN and Europe to discuss practical strategies for strengthening cooperation on climate action, trade, food security and resilient supply chains.
Finance Secretary Frederick Go highlighted the role of deeper economic partnerships between the Philippines and the EU.
“Europe and the Philippines have a stable and evolving partnership, built on trade, investment and development cooperation,” Go said during the ministerial keynote.
“Today, it is also focused on sustainability, climate and inclusive growth, and we remain committed to deepening our collaboration with the EU and advancing our shared priorities together.”
Go also described the proposed EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement as the country’s “most important economic agreement this year,” noting that both sides aim to sign the deal by the third quarter of 2026.
“At a time of global uncertainty marked by energy volatility, supply chain disruptions and rising costs, this Summit could not be more timely,” said Paulo Duarte, president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and member of the EU-ASEAN Business Council executive board.
“It reflects a shared recognition across the region that sustainability is no longer optional. It is central to economic resilience, competitiveness and long-term growth,” Duarte said.
EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro emphasized the need to match climate ambitions with adequate financing and implementation mechanisms.
Source: PhilStar Global
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