Ambassador Enarsson speaks on the Role of the EU in today’s world
Ambassador Pelle Enarsson, giving a public lecture in the Senate Hall at the University of Juba on 4 May.
On 4 May, Ambassador Pelle Enarsson delivered a public lecture in the Senate Hall at the University of Juba, titled 'The EU in Today's World.' As part of Europe Week, the Delegation sought to engage students and faculties in a discussion about the European Union in a world with shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Attended mainly by the university's senior management team, including Vice-Chancellor Professor John Akech, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Isaac Clato, the Dean of Students, and the Deans of the university's various schools, the public lecture offered insights into the strides of the European Union over the last 76 years.
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From middle to right: Prof. John Akec, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Juba, and his deputy, Dr Isaac Cleto, listening to the lecture.
The lecture outlined the central features of the European Union, such as the single market, its economic strength, its role in innovation, its political and legal stability, respect for the rule of law, human rights and freedoms, a rule-based world order, and its soft power in diplomacy and security, including its CSDP operations around the world.
In his presentation, Ambassador Pelle Enarsson reiterated the importance of peace, cooperation, and identifying and addressing obstacles to reap the benefits of working together as crucial steps in building a unified, prosperous, and industrious nation.
“From six Member States to 27, with many knocking on the EU’s door, from rebuilding a war-torn continent to becoming the world’s largest trading bloc, the EU’s influence today is undeniable,” Amb. Enarsson said.
“The EU has created a seamless market for 450 million people where its citizens can travel freely without passports, as well as reside and work in any of its Member States. The European market is so vast and interconnected that it draws global trade into Europe, making it a vital partner for countries outside Europe, including those in Africa. With Europe, Africa sells more than it buys—which means Africa has a trade surplus from that partnership. In 2022, Africa exported $247 billion in goods to the EU while importing $187 billion. With most other countries, it is the opposite.”
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L-R: Ambassadors David Ashley, Gregory Bledjian and Paul Tholen listening to the lecture on 4 May.
In response to the question of why, despite its abundant resources such as uncultivated land, minerals, fish, flora, and fauna, among others, European companies are not investing heavily in the new nation, Ambassador Pelle pointed to the recurring insecurity across the country. “The answer is simple. Without peace and security, no investor can trust their investments in this otherwise beautiful and rich country,” said Ambassador Enarsson.
Ambassadors Paul Tholen from the Dutch Embassy, Gregory Bledjian from the German Embassy, and David Ashley from the UK Embassy in South Sudan, among others, also attended the lecture.
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From left to right: Ambassadors David Ashley, Gregory Bledjian and Paul Tholen listening to the lecture on 4 May.
Following an active question-and-answer session, it was agreed that the lecture would be organized again for the university's students of political science and diplomatic studies and international relations.