24/06/2026 (Agence Europe) – The European Union will deploy an electoral observation mission to Zambia for the general elections on Thursday 13 August, following an official invitation from the Zambian government, the European External Action Service announced on Wednesday 24 June. Led by MEP Michael McNamara (Renew Europe, Irish), this sixth EU mission in the country will mobilise more than 70 observers to assess the election against national, regional and international standards. Europeans are watching this election particularly closely, as they seek to preserve and expand their presence in the country, especially in the north, in the ‘Copperbelt’ mining region. Moreover, Lusaka’s relations with the EU have improved markedly since President Hakainde Hichilema came to power in 2021. Agence Europe travelled to the country last November (see EUROPE 13750/8). (BD)