The devastating conflict in northern Ethiopia affected not only the people but also the infrastructure as well as the country’s relations with other countries, especially the West. From financial suspension to scathing statements, Ethiopia’s diplomatic relation was affected.
For instance, during the conflict, the EU imposed restrictions on cooperation with Ethiopia, including the suspension of budgetary support and the redirection of funds toward humanitarian assistance. It is to be recalled that the bloc has suspended budget support for Ethiopia worth over 100 million USD. However, Ethiopia’s ties with the Union and other countries have seen positive change following the Pretoria peace agreement.
The country’s relative peace and security and commitment to resolving the problems through peaceful mechanisms drew the attention of the EU and led it to enhance its policy toward Ethiopia. The recent developments indicate a diplomatic opening between the Ethiopia and EU, signaling a potential path towards resolving tensions and rebuilding relations.
In recent weeks, there have been promising signs of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and the European bloc. High-level talks between Ethiopian representatives and EU officials have taken place, signaling willingness on both sides to engage in dialogue and address the challenges facing their relationship. These discussions have paved the way for a potential softening of relations and the exploration of common ground. The recent Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen structured debate between the EU and Ethiopia shows this.
According to EU Ambassador Roland Kobia’s interview with Ethiopian News Agency, the EU is prepared to keep helping Ethiopia in a number of development-related areas. The ambassador described the structured interaction that took place in the first week of December between the Government of Ethiopia and the EU as a highly fruitful and worthwhile exercise.
DPM, FM Demeke attended the structured debate between Ethiopia and the European Union. They had a thorough conversation about everything, including political issues, disputes, human rights, the economy, commerce, and development, as well as how the EU can help the nation, according to Ambassador Kobia.
He acknowledged that there were disagreements but stated that this was typical and that the conversation was nevertheless quite fruitful. He said that helping the nation get through challenging times from a development and economic standpoint is one of the things the government wants the European Union and its member states to do.
“We showed readiness and availability to continue discussions with the government, to see where the EU can be the most useful, where the needs are, and where the EU can actually deliver very concretely in terms of its support,” he said.
Ambassador Kobia made the point that there are more and more development needs in the world today. However, the amount of money is staying the same. “EU is traditionally involved in many different areas, but mainly, I would say, education, health, and the social sectors. But also now, with the Global Gateway, we are ready to work on infrastructure to develop the connectivity, the connections, both between Ethiopia and its neighbors and also within Ethiopia.”
He added that “we need to make sure that all development partners can work in a good environment to be efficient and help the population of Ethiopia. This is something we want to discuss with the government and with the regions of Ethiopia because it is a mutual decision.
The ambassador went on to say that the EU is funding the National Dialogue Commission, which provides a forum for leaders and members of the public to address disagreements and differences of opinion regarding the most important matters pertaining to Ethiopia. “We have been one of the strongest supporters of the national dialogue from the very beginning, politically but also financially,” the ambassador stated.
As the diplomatic opening unfolds, the EU has pledged additional financial assistance to Ethiopia to support long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts. The EU’s financial pledge underscores its commitment to helping Ethiopia rebuild and foster stability in the region.
Also, last October 2023, European Union Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen met with Ethiopian government officials, and during her visit to Ethiopia, she announced 680 million US dollars in support from the EU. “We have a gradual approach, and now I think one step has been taken forward after this day because we are able to sign this MIP,” said Urpilainen for the question about the relationship between the EU and Ethiopia.
The Multi-annual Indicative Program (MIP) is intended to focus on three priority issues: a green agenda, human development, and peacebuilding.
The EU relation with Ethiopia is extended to support the latter’s efforts to pacify the country, and the former’s support for this is continued. The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) is trying to play a crucial role in the country’s peace by creating the chance for talk to bring national consensus. The EU, on its part, also supports the country’s readiness for peace and the initiative of the commission, Ambassador Kobia also mentioned above EU’s support for ENDC.
According to the UNDP Statement in July, the European Union, together with several EU Member States bilaterally (Austria, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands), as well as Norway, provided 7.5 million dollars to support the work of ENDC. UNDP also expressed its optimism that more EU countries are expected to join the effort in the near future.
As Ethiopia-EU relations evolve, the financial pledges and the commitment to cooperation provide a foundation for rebuilding and moving forward. The EU’s support, both financial and diplomatic, underscores its commitment to the well-being of the Ethiopian people and its willingness to engage constructively to overcome challenges.
The bloodiest conflict in northern Ethiopia tested the relationship between Ethiopia and the EU. However, a diplomatic opening that has made room for new engagement has coincided with the EU’s financial support, restrictions on cooperation during the conflict, and pressure against Ethiopia. The financial pledges from the EU signify a commitment to address immediate needs and may invest in Ethiopia’s long-term development. As the two sides continue to navigate the challenges, the EU’s support and engagement play a crucial role in assisting Ethiopia’s path towards peace, stability, and prosperity
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD 19 DECEMBER 2023
