Madam Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, 

Excellencies, Ambassadors of the Member States of the European Union and the Diplomatic Corps, 

Dear colleagues and guests, 

Dear friends of the European Union, 

It is a great honor to welcome you this evening, on this Europe Day, here in Senegal – a friendly, partner, and neighboring country. 

May 9 is a symbolic date. Seventy-five years ago, when Europe still bore the scars of the two world wars, the Schuman Declaration laid the foundations for a project unique in the world: a project of peace, unity, and solidarity born of a vision: that of a Europe united beyond differences; a Europe open, strong in its values, and engaged in the world. 

Today, in an increasingly unstable, fragmented, and competitive world, the European Union remains faithful to this project. It chooses to remain united, open, and committed to international cooperation and dialogue. Together, we can build a future of prosperity, security, and stability. This means defending the international order based on the rule of law and strengthening multilateral institutions, with you, our partners. As the President of the European Commission recently reiterated: "We must show courage in reinventing our alliances, investing in partnerships of equals, and together defending a rules-based international order." 

This is precisely what we are doing here, with you, in Senegal. 

Our partnership is based on shared values, a common history, and converging interests. It is part of a long-term dynamic of mutual trust, founded on respect and commitment. The success of the democratic change of power in March 2024 is yet another testament to the strength of Senegalese institutions, the political maturity of the Senegalese people, and their deep attachment to democratic values. 

Senegal is a key country in our cooperation in West Africa and beyond. Together, we are building an ambitious partnership, aligned with Senegal's priorities in its Vision 2050, and ready to address global challenges. 

2025 also marks the 25th anniversary of the European Union-African Union partnership. This partnership between continents embodies our shared desire to face global transformations together and build an inclusive, sustainable, and secure future. Senegal's role in regional fora, such as ECOWAS, and international forums, such as the United Nations, makes it a key partner in addressing these challenges. The EU welcomes your commitment to reformed and representative multilateralism. 

Faced with a rapidly changing world, the European Union is adapting its responses. It is investing in its security, resilience, and ecological and digital transition. In a global context marked by conflicts that continue to claim new victims every day – in Ukraine, Gaza, Somalia, Sudan, and elsewhere – the European Union remains committed to peace, security, and respect for international law. It supports mediation, stabilization, and civilian protection efforts wherever necessary. And it always does so in collaboration with its partners. We believe in a shared approach to security, development, and prosperity. Senegal is at the heart of this vision.

The European Union is also a leading economic partner. It has concluded 76 trade agreements worldwide—one of the largest networks—supporting integration into the global economy based on fair rules. 

As Senegal's leading trading partner, leading foreign direct investor, and leading development partner, the European Union is committed to sustainable growth that creates jobs, particularly for young people. 

Our Global Gateway strategy, including the €150 billion Investment Plan for Africa by 2027, announced here in Dakar by the President of the European Commission in February 2022, is an ambitious vision for building the human and material connections of the 21st century, placing Africa at the heart of its action. The Global Gateway strategy supports the green and digital transitions and focuses on talent and ideas.

It is also based on a "Team Europe" approach, which reflects our shared ambition with the Member States, the European Investment Bank, and the European and Senegalese private sector, whose presence I welcome this evening, to achieve a real and lasting impact. 

The spirit of Global Gateway is to build sustainable bridges between Dakar, Brussels, Cotonou, and Pretoria, to jointly address the major challenges of our time. This is not a simple infrastructure plan: it is a project for the future, based on trust in African and European youth. In an unstable global trade environment, the EU remains a reliable, predictable player committed to fair and rules-based trade. Thanks to the "Everything But Arms" initiative, Senegal benefits from quota- and duty-free access to the European market, boosting local exports and creating opportunities for Senegalese producers. 

But beyond the figures and agreements, it is the human connections that matter most. Because this partnership is also cultural, human, and deeply rooted in the richness of exchanges between our peoples. As we say in Wolof: "Andee bu yàgg dëggu la": a lasting relationship is sincere.

This listening is also at the heart of the cultural dialogue between Africa and Europe. In 2023, Dakar hosted a key moment with the Declaration for a Common Future, resulting from a unique meeting between African and European museums. This ambitious cultural cooperation initiative, supported by several Member States, celebrates our shared heritage and extends the vision of Senghor, for whom dialogue between cultures was a requirement for living together. 

Dear friends, in a world facing global challenges—conflicts, disinformation, climate change—the European Union remains faithful to its principles: multilateralism, solidarity, and cooperation. And it is here, with you, that these principles take on their full meaning. Europe is united in its principles, stable in its commitments, and constant in its friendship. She is a sincere partner, working alongside you to build a common future. 

Finally, I would like to warmly thank the Delegation team for their commitment, professionalism, and availability. It is thanks to their collective work that this evening was possible, like so many other initiatives we carry out together throughout the year. 

I also thank the Europe Team present this evening, and in particular our colleagues from the Netherlands, Italy, and France who contributed to this celebration of Europe Day by providing some of their culinary specialties. 

To all of you, thank you for being present at this celebration of Europe, here in Senegal. Jërëjëf. 

Long live the friendship between Senegal and the European Union. 

Happy Europe Day to all.