One step forward in EU-Zimbabwe relations

Today, Catherine Ashton, the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief and Vice President of the European Commission, and European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs have informed the government of Zimbabwe that the country has provisionally been allocated €138.6 million under the 10th European Development Fund.

This decision recognizes progress made in the implementation of the power-sharing agreement between the Zimbabwean governing parties. It comes as a follow up of the Ministerial Zimbabwe Team for re-engagement held on 2 July in Brussels. This allocation comes on top of the current EU financial support to the Zimbabwean people and will accompany further progress in the implementation of the power-sharing agreement.

After the 2008 elections in Zimbabwe, three parties entered a Government of National Unity (February 2009) based on a Global Political Agreement (GPA). In the implementation of the GPA, a number of positive developments have occurred, particularly with regard to economic reforms. Three Commissions on media, human rights and electoral issues have been established and media reform is showing first results. The EU will follow the ongoing constitutional and electoral reform processes with great interest.

While the EU recognises there are still serious challenges in the implementation of the GPA, it remains fully committed to the Government of National Unity and in acknowledgment of the progress made has informed Zimbabwe that €130 million could become available under the 10th European Development Fund. In addition, a complementary envelope of € 8.6 million would be available to Zimbabwe to cover unforeseen needs such as emergency assistance. 

The disbursement of these amounts is subject to the signature of a Country Strategy Paper with Zimbabwe as is the case in all African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. This will however first require the revision of measures, which currently limits direct cooperation with the government of Zimbabwe.

These steps will accompany further progress in the fundamental reforms set out in the GPA. The details will be worked out in the context of continued political dialogue between the EU and the Zimbabwean government. The EU is also open to further review its “restrictive measures” under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), pending additional progress in GPA implementation

Background

Since 2002, “appropriate measures” apply to Zimbabwe and prohibit government to government cooperation. The country is also subject to CFSP “restrictive measures” mainly consisting of arms embargo, a visa ban and freeze of assets of targeted individuals and entities. These measures were put in place in response of violation of human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law. Both types of measures are reviewed on an annual basis but reassessment is possible at any moment.

Despite these measures, the EU has, since the creation of the Government of National Unity in 2009, provided support to the people of Zimbabwe amounting to € 365 million. This support is provided through international organisations and NGO’s in support of the National Development Plan and in coordination with the line ministries. The 10th EDF allocation would be additional to this assistance.