On Monday, 21 February, the Council of the EU—still concerned about the human rights situation in Zimbabwe—decided, without debate, to extend the targeted sanctions in force against a company for one year while reaffirming its expectation of a constructive political dialogue.
The arms embargo and asset freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries, remain in place, and the already suspended restrictive measures against three individuals are lifted.
In a political declaration issued the same day on behalf of the EU27, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell reminds the public that no progress has been made since the Council Conclusions of 17 February 2020 (see EUROPE 12427/6) and the Declaration on behalf of the EU of 19 February 2021 (see EUROPE 12662/14).
“Intimidation of the political opposition and other government critics has continued to restrict the democratic and civic space, which is under threat of shrinking further, through the Data Protection Act and ongoing legislative processes such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and the envisaged so-called ‘Patriotic Act’”, stresses Mr Borrell.
At the same time, he reminds the public that Zimbabwe continues to enjoy duty-free and quota-free access for its exports to the EU while negotiations are underway to deepen the Eastern and Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement. He emphasises the “significant potential in terms of investments and jobs opportunities, if structural bottlenecks were to be addressed and political and economic reforms [...] are implemented”.
The EU reaffirms that it is ready to support credible and sustainable economic and political reforms based on tangible commitments made by the Government of Zimbabwe.
It welcomes the assurances given by Zimbabwean authorities that they will invite international observers for the 2023 elections, including an EU Election Observation Mission. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)