The European Union wishes to offer Ethiopia a perspective for normalisation of relations, as shown by the Council conclusions adopted on Monday 24 April, without debate, at the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the EU27 in Luxembourg.
The Council of the EU underlines that Ethiopia is a key strategic partner of the EU in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea and for the whole African continent in general, and that the EU is ready to support further progress towards a lasting peace.
Last June, the Council welcomed the peace agreement, but considered that the conditions for this normalisation were not sufficient (see EUROPE 12975/7).
The EU reiterates its full support for the Agreement to Achieve a Lasting Peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities, reached between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front on 2 November 2022. Subject to its sustained implementation, the EU will progressively normalise its relations with Ethiopia and resume a full and enhanced strategic engagement with the country.
It stresses that a full cessation of hostilities, free access for humanitarian aid and accountability for human rights violations and abuses are particularly important in this context.
In this regard, the EU expresses its deep concern about the escalation of tensions, allegations of human rights violations and abuses and violence in various parts of the country.
The EU is therefore closely monitoring the situation and encouraging urgent de-escalation and dialogue.
See the conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/6ie (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)