As Ethiopia and the European Union mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, the partnership between Addis Ababa and Brussels stands at a pivotal crossroads—shaped by both longstanding cooperation and new global realities. From supporting Ethiopia’s ambitious reform agenda and humanitarian needs to championing sustainable development and trade, the EU remains a key ally in Ethiopia’s journey toward peace, prosperity, and integration into the global economy. Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, regional challenges, and the ongoing quest for inclusive growth, the role of the EU has never been more significant.
In this exclusive interview, Sofie From-Emmesberger, Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia, discusses the current state of EU-Ethiopia relations, the bloc’s response to pressing humanitarian and development needs, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. She shares insights on the EU’s support for peace and stability in conflict-affected regions, strategies for climate resilience, the future of trade and investment, and the evolving landscape of mobility and migration. Ambassador From-Emmesberger’s perspectives offer a comprehensive look at how the EU is working with Ethiopia to build a more resilient, democratic, and prosperous future for all. Excerpts;
Capital: How would you characterize the current state of relations between the EU and Ethiopia, particularly in light of recent regional and global developments?
Sofie From-Emmesberger: EU-Ethiopia relations are strong – as we can see also from the recent high-level meetings between Ethiopia and the EU and EU Member States. We celebrate 50 years of relations this year, and I can say with some confidence that in EU and its Member States Ethiopia has a trusted partner. We have been reliable, long-time supporters of Ethiopia’s economic development efforts to lift millions of people out of poverty and now supporting in many different ways the ambitious reform agenda. Together with our member states, we are mobilising collectively ca EUR 1 billion/year in the country. The EU operates in a transparent and predictable manner. We are also one of the top, if not the top, source of foreign direct investment in Ethiopia. Together with the European Chamber of Commerce, with its around 200 European companies, we are engaging with the Government to find ways to overcome remaining bottlenecks in the business environment. And these solutions are aimed at benefitting all businesses in Ethiopia – national and international.
On key nationally led and owned processes, such as National Dialogue, Transitional Justice, and DDR, the EU and EU Member States are by far the main external supporters. This shows our commitment to a democratic society, which can address its past and seek solutions for the future. In this regard, a free and vibrant civil society, able to be a part of a system of checks and balances, is key.
Our own experience is that the only viable option for societies to be at peace with themselves and to foster truly sustainable development is to “fully democratise”. I am well aware that this is not an easy process and democracy – everywhere- needs continuous work. In the EU we do speak from experience, and our efforts and support come as partners and with the interest of the people at the forefront.
EU/EU MS are also key players in humanitarian assistance. We have been very active promoters of modern solutions that empower local Ethiopian actors. The core of humanitarian action is International Humanitarian Law and humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality, impartiality and humanitarian imperative. Whatever assistance is provided should be designed based on those principles, for the sake of protecting civilians, especially in conflict-affected zones. Key is that we can report objectively about people in need and contribute to reaching the most vulnerable among them within the country.
I have only touched on a small part of EU-Ethiopia relations, which are broad and multifaceted, but I would like to stress that relations are very strong and we aim to deepen them further.
In the context of regional and global developments the EU is, where possible, present throughout the region to deliver humanitarian, lifesaving assistance, support through development cooperation, contribute to crisis management through EU’s CSDP missions and operations and on the diplomatic front to seek peaceful resolution of conflicts. On the latter, the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa Ms Annette Weber is playing an active and central role.
Global developments are also moving fast. On the positive side, the AU has taken its seat at the G20 table. As a sister organisation to the EU, we were at the very forefront of efforts for this! The EU-AU partnership is growing strong, as we saw from the highly successful Ministerial meeting concluded just last week in Brussels, where also Dr. Gedion Thimothewos, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, participated. We look forward to the EU-AU Summit!
But other international relations do indeed appear to be in flux, shown perhaps most tragically by the international system’s inability to secure peace for Ukraine and Palestine/Israel. On Gaza the EU’s High Representative together with Commissioners in charge were very clear in a recent statement: The EU calls urgently on Israel to lift immediately the blockade on Gaza and repeats its call for a resumption of the ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages, leading to a permanent end to hostilities and ultimately to a two state solution. On Ukraine, EU has from the start resolutely condemned Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter. The solidarity shown towards the people of Ukraine through numerous UN resolutions since the start of the Russian aggression is impressive and a clear sign that the Russian attempt of neo-colonialism has failed.
Against this challenging background, it is comforting to know that we have a strong partner in Ethiopia, a UN founding member, on a wide array of issues – not least on the all-important need for more and stronger multilateralism.
Capital: What actions is the EU undertaking to address human rights concerns and promote peace and stability in conflict-affected regions such as Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia?
Sofie From-Emmesberger: The EU and EU Member States are strong supporters of civil society organisations and initiatives to promote peace in the country. We are ready – as long as parties see our input as useful – to support confidence-building measures, facilitate negotiations etc. We have done this in other countries, we know how sensitive and difficult the issues are. The joint statement by the EU and 43 countries at the recent UN Human Rights Council session indicate our joint position on developments in the country, as does the recent statement of the EU Delegation on World Press Freedom day. I wish to stress, we are not here to preach, but to through cooperation and dialogue support home-grown initiatives, and add the experience from the European context.
I wish to take the opportunity to encourage all Ethiopia stakeholders – whether in country or spread across the globe as a vibrant diaspora – to support key processes such as the National Dialogue and Transitional Justice. My hope is that these processes are given the time and space to address the very complex and sensitive issues at hand as fully as possible.
Capital: In supporting Ethiopia’s post-conflict recovery, how does the EU balance its humanitarian response with longer-term development and institution-building efforts?
Sofie From-Emmesberger: The EU recognizes that addressing urgent humanitarian needs is crucial to stabilizing communities and preventing further suffering in a post-conflict phase. However, it also emphasizes the importance of sustainable recovery, which involves investing in the development of robust institutions and infrastructure that can support Ethiopia’s long-term growth and stability. This integrated approach ensures that while immediate relief is provided, efforts are simultaneously being made to strengthen systems in sectors such as governance, DDR, Disaster Risk Management, health care, and education, which are critical for lasting peace and prosperity.
Capital: Given the reallocation of significant EU development aid to Ukraine, what implications might this shift have for Ethiopia, where such support plays a vital role?
Sofie From-Emmesberger: The allocation of EU development aid to Ukraine is not showing a significant impact on EU support for Ethiopia.
Capital: Beyond emergency assistance, how is the EU contributing to sustainable development, including in sectors such as health, education, and economic infrastructure?
Sofie From-Emmesberger: EU is actively contributing to Ethiopia’s sustainable development across various sectors. In health, initiatives are focused on strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to essential services, and building capacity through training and resource provision. In education, the EU supports programmes that aim to enhance educational quality, and expand access to vocational training, creating opportunities for economic empowerment. Additionally, in economic infrastructure, the EU invests in projects that enhance the business climate and governance, that improve energy access and foster digital connectivity, all of which are essential for facilitating economic growth and attracting investment.
Capital: What specific strategies or programs is the EU implementing to help Ethiopia address climate change and build resilience through adaptation?
Sofie From-Emmesberger: To help Ethiopia address climate change and build resilience, the EU is implementing several strategies and programs centered on adaptation and sustainable resource management. These include supporting initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture practices, enhancing water resource management, and fostering renewable energy development. The EU also works with local communities and governments to design and implement climate-resilient infrastructure projects and capacity-building programmes that empower communities to adapt to changing environmental conditions. By promoting a multi-faceted approach to climate resilience, the EU aims to strengthen Ethiopia’s ability to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change effectively.
The EU will continue investing in critical areas such as land governance and nature conservation, reinforcing landscape-oriented and community-level actions of the Green Legacy Initiative.
Let me also highlight that we recently inaugurated the Assela wind farm as the first milestone in implementing Global Gateway in Ethiopia’s energy sector. EU member state Denmark has been in the lead and financed this wind park that has now started to feed power into Ethiopia’s national grid. The EU and EU Member States will continue supporting smart investments that contribute to Ethiopia’s clean energy transition, especially through an extended partnership with Ethiopian Electric Power to modernise and digitalise its electricity grid.
Capital: How does trade feature in the EU-Ethiopia partnership, and what opportunities exist to expand this relationship through preferential access initiatives like “Everything But Arms”?
Sofie From-Emmesberger: Trade plays a significant role in the EU-Ethiopia partnership, with initiatives like “Everything But Arms” (EBA) offering Ethiopian products preferential access to European markets. This arrangement provides Ethiopia with duty-free and quota-free access for all its exports, except arms and ammunition, thereby creating opportunities for economic growth and diversification. Today, the EU is Ethiopia’s most important export market. To expand this relationship, the EU and Ethiopia can explore additional measures to enhance trade facilitation, improve infrastructure, and remove technical barriers to trade. By doing so, both partners can capitalize on existing opportunities and develop new avenues for trade, fostering deeper economic ties that support Ethiopia’s development objectives. In this context, the EU strongly supports the accession of Ethiopia to the WTO. We also encourage Ethiopia on its path towards closer integration with other African markets through AfCFTA and COMESA. In 2025, under the EU Alliance for the Horn of Africa Initiative, the EU has allocated €6 million to support the implementation of the AfCFTA across Ethiopia, with a particular focus on the private sector.
Capital: Considering recent global trade shifts, including new U.S. tariffs on Europe, how might these external pressures affect EU trade frameworks that benefit least developed countries like Ethiopia?
Sofie From-Emmesberger: Recent global trade shifts have not affected existing EU trade frameworks, particularly those benefiting least developed countries like Ethiopia. On the contrary, EU wants cooperation, not confrontation. Maintaining a strong partnership with Ethiopia will remain a priority as the EU navigates these challenges and seeks to uphold its commitments to supporting development.
Capital: What steps can Ethiopia take to position itself as a more attractive destination for European direct investment, and which sectors are most promising from the EU’s perspective?
Sofie From-Emmesberger: The EU wants Ethiopia’s ambitious economic reforms to succeed – and we support these through different channels. The EU Global Gateway is currently supporting Ethiopia’s energy transition with a significant EUR 270 million Team Europe programme. Recently, we signed a further package of EUR 240 million in development support in the areas of Green Deal, Human Development, Governance and Peacebuilding.
Ethiopia is also important for European businesses – in what is a “win-win” scenario. EU companies create thousands of good jobs in the country, and ensure FDI / foreign currency in-flows, as they expand their markets and increase revenues, and transfer technology. From the EU’s perspective, sectors with promising potential for investment include renewable energy, agro-processing, health, and digital. By leveraging its natural resources and strategic location, Ethiopia can present itself as a competitive and appealing option for European businesses seeking investment opportunities in Africa.
We have an ongoing dialogue with the Government to improve the business climate – to keep existing investors (who are affected in particular by insecurity) but also to attract new ones. The best way to attract further investment is to take very good care of investors that are already here. Ethiopia has taken proactive steps and I trust that more will follow in areas like streamlining regulatory processes, ensuring rule of law and respect for human rights.
Capital: What is the EU doing to facilitate mobility for Ethiopian businesspeople, in light of visa access challenges that are currently pushing trade ties toward Asia?
Sofie From-Emmesberger: This is an important question. We have just seen the visa statistics to the Schengen for 2024. Interestingly, the data appears to indicate that in fact there has not been a reduction in visas issued since the visa measures were adopted. This is great news. This means that even with the admittedly lengthy procedures in place that followed from the adoption by EU Member States of visa measures on 1 June 2024, a substantial amount of Ethiopians have still wished to come to the Schengen / EU area, and have been given the opportunity to do so. At the same time, the Ethiopian authorities and EU Member States are working hard to have the measures lifted – this is a key priority, but contingent on sustained action. This will allow even more exchange, so that we may advance relations even further, as alluded to above.
It is important to recall that legal migration, resettlement and integration are key elements of the EU’s comprehensive and balanced approach to mobility and migration. Most migrants entering the EU come through legal migration channels, such as work, study, family reunification, or resettlement. The 2024 EU Pact on Migration and Asylum shows the way of improving legal pathways to the EU. The EU Delegation is currently working with partners to establish a competitive and workers’ rights-oriented labour migration system for Ethiopians. With a budget of EUR 6.5 million, the programme will aim to strengthen the capacity of Ethiopian institutions to monitor labour migration and inform relevant policies and to negotiate bilateral labour agreements with selected destination countries. It will also aim to improve skill sets of Ethiopian candidates for overseas employment and improve the protection system for labour migration (from pre-departure to return). Its objective will also be to enhance and professionalise the Ethiopian overseas recruitment process.
