Manila, March 19 -- The Philippines and the European Union (EU) aim to complete negotiations on a free trade agreement in the second half of 2026, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said Thursday.

Speaking at a Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) forum in Taguig City, Lazaro said both sides hope to conclude talks "probably the start of the second half of this year."

"We are looking further afield to broaden our economic base and ensure that our eggs are not all in one basket," she said.

"We are revitalizing trade with Europe through the Philippine-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, which will open up a market of nearly 450 million high-income consumers," she added.

The statement came as Manila and the EU concluded t...