Ethiopia, EU discuss cooperation in dev’t, humanitarian aid, and climate issues

 Addis Ababa, July 25, 2024 (FBC) – Fitsum Assefa, Minister of Planning and Development, had a productive meeting with Mr. Antti Karhunen, EU International Partnership (INTPA) Director for Sustainable Finance.

Mr. Karhunen is in Addis Ababa to attend the ongoing Preparatory Committee meeting for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD).

The discussions covered Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with the EU. Fitsum thoroughly discussed measures taken by the Ethiopian government following the Pretoria Peace Agreement, aimed at ensuring accountability for human rights violations.

Minister Fitsum on the occasion expressed gratitude for the EU’s swift response and emphasized the need for sustainable climate adaptation strategies alongside immediate humanitarian aid.

The Minister highlighted the near completion of a legal framework for a transitional justice system and the establishment of a National Dialogue Commission, which is seen as vital for achieving lasting peace in the country.

In addition, Fitsum Assefa discussed Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform I, noting its successes in enhancing the country’s economic competitiveness and attractiveness for investment.

She acknowledged the challenges posed by multiple crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic conflicts, the war in Ukraine, and climate-related issues such as prolonged droughts in eastern and southeastern Ethiopia, which have disrupted some reform efforts. The Minister also discussed the ongoing Homegrown Economic Reform II.

Ms. Fitsum emphasized the importance of involving the Ethiopian government in the planning and implementation of the MIP to ensure it aligns with the country’s development priorities. She also called for the resumption of EU budget support, which is crucial for Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda.

The MoPD minister also expressed her concerns about the new European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR). She cautioned that a rushed implementation could harm millions of Ethiopian smallholder coffee growers and that the EUDR is not fully aligned with the just transition principles of international climate agreements.

Fitsum eventually reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to meeting EUDR requirements and requested reasonable grace periods for compliance.

On his part, Mr. Karhunen extended condolences on behalf of the European Union for the tragic loss of life caused by a recent landslide in Gofa Zone.

He announced that the EU is prepared to provide financial support, with a team already working alongside Ethiopia’s Disaster Risk Management Commission.

Mr. Karhunen expressed the EU’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s economic reforms and green transition, also to support the Global Gateway Strategy. He highlighted the €650 million allocated for Ethiopia under the EU’s Multi-annual Indicative Program (MIP) as part of this support.