Posted on :Thursday , 12th December 2019

The new President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on the occasion of her first official visit outside Europe, declared in Addis Ababa a remarkable boost to the EU'' collaboration with Ethiopia.

The statement comes as President von der Leyen and Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa.

Ursula von der Leyen, said, "Ethiopia has given hope to a whole Continent and beyond, showing that peace with one's neighbours, 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."

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, added, "Ethiopia plays the main role in promoting security and economic integration in East Africa, building on the historic opportunity provided by last yea"s peace agreement with Eritrea. Today"s announcements strengthen the EU"s commitment to supporting Ethiopia in achieving the aspiring political, social and democratic transition that will not only transform the lives of Ethiopians but inspire change beyond the region."

Ethiopia is a chief partner for the EU in the region. It has taken a leading role in promoting economic integration, peace and stability in East Africa, while executing an ambitious national reform agenda.

The €170 million package target to support the country's reforms and includes:  

€100 million for key economic reforms in the transport and logistic sectors, to improve regional competitiveness and facilitate Ethiopia's trade and economic cooperation with neighbouring countries.

€50 million to support the Government of Ethiopia's Health Transformation Plan for three additional years (2020-2022).  

This programme targets to reduce inequalities, improve the quality of health facilities and reduce the financial hurdles people face to access essential services.

€10 million to support accountability and transparency during the 2020 elections in Ethiopia.  

This programme precisely 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 programme, bringing the overall support for it to €20 million.

€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.

The EU"s development collaboration with Ethiopia is one of the enormous in Africa and in the world, amounting to €815 million for the period  of 2014-2020.

The country is also one of the prime beneficiaries of the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, over €271.5 million for 2015-2019.