The European Union Ambassador to the African Union, H.E. Mr Javier Niño Pérez, and the European Union Ambassador to Ethiopia, H.E. Mrs Sofie From-Emmesberger, co-hosted the event, gathering more than 600 guests, in close collaboration with the European Parliament, the European Investment Bank and the EU Member States based in Addis Ababa. This strong #TeamEurope spirit was one of the main features of the event, showcasing the European diversity and values. The occasion was a great opportunity to enjoy European culture through music, food and activities and served to highlight the EU's priorities with AU and with Ethiopia together with EU and AU Member States, African Union leadership and staff, Ethiopian government officials, national and international partner organisations, private sector, civil society, friends and family. The two guests of honour, African Union Deputy Chairperson H.E. Mrs Selma Malika Haddadi, and the Ethiopian Minister of Finance, H.E. Mr Ahmed Shide, enriched the event with their messages of partnership. 

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EU Ambassador to the AU Javier Niño Pérez shared he reread the statement that African and European leaders sent to the world 25 years ago after their first Summit: “Africa and the EU should have a deeper partnership; that we share a critical mass of common values, principles; that we have the same interests; and that we should work together under a spirit of equality, of respect and of cooperation.” Describing the present time, he emphasised that “the EU is the largest partner of Africa in practically all fields” as the EU believes “that Africa’s stability and prosperity is the best way to achieve prosperity and stability in Europe and in the world”. His key message was that, 25^h years ago and even more now, in the current geopolitical context, “multilateralism is the best way; is the only way for global challenges and that we need to work together in full respect of the UN Charter”. 

The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission Selma Malika Haddadi stated in her speech: “This year holds special significance as we commemorate the 25th Anniversary of our strategic cooperation—a partnership founded on shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. (…) This partnership has evolved into a model of intercontinental cooperation, demonstrating what can be accomplished when Africa and Europe work together. As Africa advances its Agenda 2063 aspirations, the African Union appreciates partners who recognize and support our continent's own defined priorities and development trajectory”. She added that “in these times of geopolitical uncertainties and challenges to multilateralism, our cooperation is more crucial than ever.” The full statement can be find here.

EU Ambassador to Ethiopia Sofie From-Emmesberger highlighted the importance of the celebratory milestone for the EU and our Member States. “Throughout the last decades, we have recognised and supported Ethiopia’s work in reducing poverty, in growing its economy, in infrastructure development as well as – most recently – in the ambitious reforms that are currently being undertaken. The EU and Ethiopia share many interests ranging from renewable energy, digitalisation, agriculture and – in common for all these strands – in having a flourishing private sector.“

The Ethiopian Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide highlighted how the Europe Day “is a solidarity day” and that Europe has contributed greatly to the world, “to global human civilization, to global development, technology and the evolution of orderly based global institutions.” Regarding Ethiopia, he confirmed that, combined, EU and its Member States are the largest development partner, “in terms of financial cooperation, market access, foreign direct investment and, also, in terms of regional issues”, such as peace and security.   

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Background 

Europe Day every year celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical 'Schuman declaration'. 75 years ago, on May 9^th 1950, Robert Schuman, the then French foreign minister, delivered a speech in Paris setting out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe. This would make war between Europe's nations unthinkable. His vision was to create a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. A treaty creating such a body was signed just about a year later. Schuman's proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union. More information here.

The unique partnership between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) celebrates 25 years since the first Africa-Europe Summit on 3-4 April 2000 in Cairo. Together, the EU and the AU represent and carry the voices, hopes and dreams of more than 1.9 billion people. Collaboration is rooted in shared values, common interests and a commitment to multilateralism. Both are driving sustainable and people-centred progress, implementing the Joint Vision for 2030 aligned with the Africa Agenda 2063 and the EU’s political priorities. In the lead-up to the Ministerial meeting scheduled to 21 May 2025, in Brussels, gathering around 80 governments and the new leadership of both AU and EU, and to the 7^th AU-EU Summit to be hosted in Africa later this year, the two Unions launched a joint year-long campaign. More information will be shared along the year under the #AUEU25.

On 28 February 1975, the EU’s predecessor, the European Economic Community (EEC), and Ethiopia co-signed the landmark Lomé Convention, which established the foundation of what has become a vibrant and resilient relationship. Together as “Team Europe”, the EU and our Member States are a strong, reliable partner, with our collective collaboration with Ethiopia in different forms amounting to around €1 billion euro annually. The 50 years old relationship between the EU and Ethiopia encompasses a large range of interests and core values, including the need for collective approaches to peace and security, counter-terrorism, regional economic integration, tackling climate change, as well as, the goals of sustainable development, prosperity and favourable terms of trade. As from 2001 onwards the “Everything But Arms” trade programme provides a unique facility for tariff-free access of Ethiopian products to the EU market. 

Press contacts: 

EU Delegation to the AU: Rita Fortunato Baptista, Political Officer & Strategic Communication - Rita.FORTUNATO-BAPTISTA@eeas.europa.eu 

Biruk Feleke, Press & Information Officer - biruk.feleke@eeas.europa.eu 

Solomon Kebede, Press & Information Officer - Solomon.KEBEDE@eeas.europa.eu 

More information: EU Delegation to the AU: Website / X / EEAS Press Material / EEAS YouTube channel