EU deepens Ethiopia cooperation with €170m package
On the occasion or the first official visit outside Europe, the new President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced in Addis Ababa, a significant boost to the EU's cooperation with Ethiopia.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said:
“Ethiopia has given hope to a whole Continent and beyond, showing that peace with one's neighbors, for the good of the people, is possible, when there is courage and vision. I am here today to show the European Union's full commitment to supporting Ethiopia and its people on their future path. "
The announcement comes as President of the Leyen and Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa.
European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, added:
“Ethiopia plays a central role in promoting stability and economic integration in East Africa, building on the historic opportunity provided by last year's peace agreement with Eritrea. Today's announcements reinforce the EU's commitment to supporting Ethiopia in achieving the ambitious political, social and democratic transition that will not only transform the lives of Ethiopians but inspire change across the region. ”
The € 170 million package aims to support the country's reforms and includes:
(a) € 100 million for key economic reforms in the transport and logistics sectors; to boost regional competitiveness and facilitate Ethiopia's trade and economic cooperation with neighboring countries.
(b) € 50 million to support the Government of Ethiopia's Health Transformation Plan for three additional years (2020-2022). This program aims to reduce inequalities, improve the quality of health facilities and reduce the financial barriers people face to access essential services.
(c) € 10 million to support accountability and transparency during the 2020 elections in Ethiopia. This program specifically aims at strengthening the technical and administrative capacity of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia, as well as its engagement with political parties, civil society and media. Germany will also add € 10 million to this program, bringing the overall support for it to € 20 million.
(d) € 10 million to improve the business climate in the country. As part of the Africa-Europe Alliance for sustainable investment and jobs, the EU is promoting private investment and supporting trade creation, economic integration and value chain development in partner countries, including Ethiopia.
