EU, Philippines unveil EUR 22-million digital economy package

MANILA — The European Union (EU) and the Philippines have launched a new partnership under the EU-Philippines Digital Economy Package to accelerate the country’s digital transition and strengthen technological innovation in key sectors, including 5G, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and earth observation.

The EUR 22 million (approximately PHP 1.34 billion) initiative includes a EUR 20 million contribution from the EU, EUR 2 million from Finland, and EUR 600,000 from France.

The agreement forms part of Global Gateway, the EU’s strategy to support smart, clean, and secure connections in the digital, energy, and transport sectors while improving systems in health, education, and research.

“This partnership marks a significant step forward in our commitment to support digital technology for societal advancement,” EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro said.

He said the EU is working with the Philippines to develop innovative solutions that promote inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.

The partnership will expand the EU’s Copernicus Philippines program, which uses AI-enhanced earth observation data to guide policymaking and improve public services in disaster risk management, environmental monitoring, and private-sector productivity.

“This project will provide the Philippines with a secure and reliable digital connectivity infrastructure by enabling high-speed and real-time access to Copernicus data,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said.

He said this capability will help the government prepare for natural disasters, respond faster during crises, and provide immediate relief to Filipino families.

By enabling real-time access to Copernicus data, the program aims to support priority policy areas such as food security and infrastructure mapping to improve government responsiveness and service delivery.

The agreement will also foster scientific collaboration through joint research initiatives between EU and Philippine universities in science, technology, and innovation, supporting Global Gateway’s goal of deeper inter-country linkages.

The package includes policy support for the rollout of 5G technology and the expansion of national and international digital connectivity.

This will include the development of new applications and services that rely on ultrafast data speeds and enhanced access to the Copernicus data center.

Cybersecurity will be a major focus of the partnership, with commitments to safeguard critical infrastructure and digital services amid rising cyber threats.

The Philippine Space Agency, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Office of Civil Defense will lead local implementation alongside European partners.

The EU-Philippines Digital Economy Package aligns with broader bilateral efforts to promote safe, secure, and inclusive economic growth by harnessing digital tools for sustainable development.