Brussels, 13 December 2023 - The Philippine Embassy in Brussels kicked off the year-long commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of Bilateral Relations between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) with a parol lighting ceremony at the Embassy Chancery. 

Philippine Ambassador to the EU Jaime Victor B. Ledda and Head of Division for Asia Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Ms. Leila Fernandez-Stembridge jointly lit parols to mark the commemoration of 60 years of partnership and to light the way for years of partnership to come.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ledda recalled the six (6) decades of deepening relations and interactions and highlighted the recent visits of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Manila in December 2022 and July 2023, respectively. “These visits gave us opportunities to affirm, at the highest levels, our commitment to taking this partnership further,” he said.

Ms. Fernandez-Stembridge echoed Ambassador Ledda saying that the PH-EU partnership “has laid the foundation for a prosperous and harmonious collaboration”. She expressed hope that 2024 may be a “time of reflection but also a call for action” to build “an even stronger and more resilient partnership”.

The parol lighting ceremony was attended by guests from the EU institutions, EU member states, and ASEAN embassies. The parols were donated to the Embassy by San Fernando City Mayor Vilma B. Caluag and the Tourism Office of San Fernando, Pampanga. The event was organized with the support of the Office of Senator Loren B. Legarda.

Head of Division for Asia Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Ms. Leila Fernandez-Stembridge with Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda (right) during the Philippine Embassy in Brussels’ Parol-Lighting Ceremony, 13 December 2023.

Philippine Embassy in Brussels Kicks Off 60th Anniversary of PH-EU Relations with Parol-Lighting Ceremony, 13 December 2023.

Philippine Embassy in Brussels Kicks Off 60th Anniversary of PH-EU Relations with Parol-Lighting Ceremony, 13 December 2023.

Filipino snacks served under a parol during the Parol-Lighting Ceremony of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels, 13 December 2023.

Snacks served under a parol during the Parol-Lighting Ceremony of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels, 13 December 2023.