Our partnership was established in 1975, and the EU Delegation has been in Malawi ever since. Together with Member States of the European Union, of which two are represented in Malawi (Ireland and Germany), we provide roughly €200 million annually in development assistance to Malawi.  The EU is also one of Malawi's first trading partners, accounting for about 26 percent of Malawi's exports of goods and 12 percent of its imports. In 2020, the EU was the number one destination of Malawi’s exports. 

The excellent relations between the EU and Malawi are based on shared values of democracy and pluralism, a belief in rules-based and effective multilateralism as the basis for a co-operative approach to international relations, upholding the values and principles of the UN Charter. 

I am convinced that this foundation will allow our collaboration to tackle global challenges and achieve common goals, particularly in the sectors of green and resilient economic transformation, democratic and economic governance, and human development and social inclusion, all areas where we have much to gain by partnering and working together. These areas are central in the Malawi 2063 Vision, and they will also be reflected in our multi-annual development programme covering 2021-27. 

Over the next few years, I shall aspire to further strengthen our well-established partnership, but also to explore new avenues for cooperation with the Malawian Government, based on our shared values, principles and interests.  

I hope you will appreciate the work the EU is doing in Malawi, and I wish you pleasant readings.

Ambassador Rune Skinnebach