On 24 June, after spending almost seven years in pre-trial detention in the Philippines, former Senator Leila de Lima and her co-defendants were acquitted of the last criminal charge against them by the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court. The European Union trusts that this decision is final.

The EU welcomes the Philippines' initiatives to fulfil its international obligations on the rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms and the independence of the judiciary, as well as the right of everyone to a fair and speedy trial. These are key elements of any democracy and must therefore be protected, respected and promoted.