EU to Give PH Vaccines, Upholds UNCLOS

Posted on May 10, 2021

European Union Ambassador Luc Véron, is a French national, he holds a PhD D in Macro Economics and Economic Model and an MA in International Relations, Economics and Public Law. Photo from https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/philippines_en

Written by

Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

“Team Europe is contributing 2.5 Billion Euros to COVAX facility, to help secure at least 1.3 billion doses for 92 low and lower middle-income countries, including the Philippines by the end of the year,” said European Union Amb. Luc Véron in a speech celebrating Europe Day, May 9, 2021.

Although the details have yet to be finalized, sources say that the brands include Pfizer-Biontech and Astra Zeneca. The amount of vaccines have yet to be determined but may reach as high as, 1-2 million doses.

The donation from EU can prove to be extremely critical. The Philippine government has had difficulty procuring vaccines, most especially with the ones from Pfizer and Astra Zeneca. There is still a huge supply shortfall as at least 80-90 million doses are necessary to reach herd immunity in a country with 111 million population.

from left: DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin and EU Amb Luc Véron at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City. Photo from https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/philippines_en

Véron spoke about the closeness of EU and Philippine relations, “We are also proud of our long lasting history with the Philippines. We believe that by developing closer bilateral relations, together we will strengthen multilateralism and adhere to our shared commitment to a rules-based international order. The EU has always been a close partner of the Philippines since the first presentation of credential of Philippine Amb Vicente Singian to the European Community in May 1964.”

EU Ambassador Luc Véron message on EuropeDay 2021

Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

Another reason for the bolstered ties between the Philippines and the EU is the Partnership And Cooperation Agreement. Signed in March of 2018, it ‘provides an enhanced legal framework, enabling the European Union and the Philippines to strengthen their bilateral relationship, in particular on political, social and economic matters.’ From official EU website.

Véron in the same speech explained, “The EU relationship with the Philippines has been growing stronger especially since 2018. And the entry into force of the bilateral Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. What I am driving at is none other than the Friendship and Partnership between the EU and the Philippines. Filipinos are known for their hospitality, warmth, camaraderie and friendliness from around the world.

This year the theme of our Europe Day Celebrations is ‘Friendship and Partnership’ and our tagline is ‘Sama-sama Together’. True to the spirit of Robert Schumann, one of our founding fathers, we remain in solidarity with the Filipino people, especially in these trying days.”

EU & EU Member States Ambassadors in the Philippines celebrate EU Day 2021

DFA Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin echoed the sentiment, “It is also in the spirit of collaborative partnership that the Philippines and the EU are taking the relations to the future. The European Union is an important partner and friend, our shared values and common desire to uphold values and political and cultural. Our common cause of civil and penal laws and human rights have culminated in our Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.” Locsin’s statement was given in a speech also in the occasion of Europe Day.

West Philippine Sea

Locsin, however, identified the most relevant EU support, “This time also calls for stronger cooperation on pressing issues. Such as addressing COVID 19 pandemic, climate change and including those closer to home such as the West Philippine Sea. On this particular issue, the EU’s principled stand on maintaining peace and stability in the region and reaffirming the 2016 Arbitration Award amid recent incidents in the Philippines’ EEZ is much appreciated. May the coming years be marked by more dynamic cooperation between the Philippines and the European Union.”

from left: DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin and EU Amb Luc Véron at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City. Photo from https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/philippines_en

Locsin is one of the more vocal defenders of the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China. Over the span of years, the Chinese military have set up bases and created artificial islands in reefs within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.

As early as January 22, 2013, the Philippines initiated proceedings against China under Annex VII to UNCLOS by then DFA Secretary Albert Del Rosario. This was after a year of escalating incursions from Chinese fishermen who were escorted by Chinese Navy. It took years of representation, effort and expense and was supported by then Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. In spite of the many challenges, the Arbitral Tribunal decided in favor of the Philippines. From amti.csis.org

PH Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. greetings on the occasion of Europe Day 2021!

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines vs China: “Regarding the “Nine-Dash Line” and China’s claim in the maritime areas of the South China Sea. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [UNCLOS] Convention defines the scope of maritime entitlements in the South China Sea, which may not extend beyond the limits imposed therein. China’s claims to historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction, with respect to the maritime areas of the South China Sea encompassed by the relevant part of the ‘nine-dash line’ are contrary to the Convention and without lawful effect to the extent that they exceed the geographic and substantive limits of China’s maritime entitlements under the Convention. The Convention superseded any historic rights or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction in excess of the limits imposed therein.” From Philippines vs China Arbitration.

EU Statement of Support

The Permanent Court of Arbitration, incidentally, is based in the heart of Europe – The Hague, Netherlands. Their ruling is a real world example of the ‘multilateralism and adherence to our shared commitment to a rules-based international order’ that Véron specified in his speech.

Which was then echoed by Locsin when he said, “Our common cause of civil and penal laws …. On this (West Philippine Sea) particular issue, the EU’s principled stand on maintaining peace and stability in the region and reaffirming the 2016 Arbitration Award amid recent incidents in the Philippines’ EEZ is much appreciated.”

(seated) European Union Ambassador Luc Véron, is a French national, he holds a PhD D in Macro Economics and Economic Model and an MA in International Relations, Economics and Public Law. Photo from https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/philippines_en

Locsin was referring to an official EU statement after, 200 Chinese military and commercial vessels occupied a large swath of the West Philippine sea in March-April 2021:

“Tensions in the South China Sea, including the recent presence of large Chinese vessels at Whitsun Reef, endanger peace and stability in the region.

The EU is committed to secure, free and open maritime supply routes in the Indo-Pacific, in full compliance with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in the interest of all.

The EU reiterates its strong opposition to any unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order. We urge all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, including its dispute settlement mechanisms. The EU recalls in this regard the Arbitration Award rendered under UNCLOS on 12 July 2016.”

The statement was made by Peter Stano, European Union Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, April 24, 2021.