European Union

Sudan is the second largest country in Africa, third largest country in the Arab World and 16th largest country in terms of area in the world. It has one of the most diverse populations in the whole African continent. After the joint administration by Egypt and Britain, Sudan gained independence in January 1st 1956.

Sudanese-European Union relations have been conditioned by the protracted conflict between the North and the South of the country since then. In July 2002, the Government of Sudan and the SPLM/A signed the Machakos Protocol, a historic agreement that supposed the first step towards peace in the country, before the formal signature of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on January 9, 2005.

The European Union (EU), that was deeply concerned during the civil war about issues related to human rights and democracy has temporarily suspended relations. In March 1999, EU welcomed the commitment of the government and the SPLM/A to achieve a peace agreement and started a political dialogue aimed at addressing concerns about human rights, good governance, rule of law and democratization, fundamental values in the base of the EU existence.

In June 2002, the EU acknowledged improvements in several areas of concern and pledged to fully normalize its relations with Sudan and resume cooperation as well as underscored its intention to support implementation of the CPA and assist Sudanese population.