Schuman Day or Europe Day is traditionally held on May 9, a very important date not only for Europe, but this year, even more so for the Philippines because of the national elections.
 
For this year’s celebration, EU Ambassador Franz Jessen together with Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Linglingay Lacanlale and Vice Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Christian Anthony Vihruri of the Embassy of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, hosted a reception at Dusit Thani Manila to mark the historic occasion.
 
“We mark this year the 25th anniversary of the opening of the EU Delegation to the Philippines. In looking back over achievements made these last 25 years, and there have been many, we can all confidently look forward to the next 25 years,” Ambassador Jessen beamed during his welcome address.
 
“The Philippines and the EU will engage in their first round of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement. On development cooperation programs in the Philippines, the EU has increased its assistance substantially to €325 million in the 2014 to 2020 programming period. Political cooperation has intensified during the past years. Both countries are working together bilaterally and with the ASEAN to address the global challenges that we both face,” the Ambassador pointed out.
 
As a toast to the past 25 years, the launching of their mobile app was also highlighted during the celebration. Dubbed as “PHor EU,” the mobile app is a play on the words “for you,” which aims to provide the public a comprehensive information hub for those who would like to know more about what the EU and its member states are doing in the Philippines; as well as those who would like to further their ties with the EU by doing business, studying or traveling to the EU member states.
 
The app is available on both Android and iOS devices.