A delegation of European Union (EU) visit Ethiopia this week with the aim of bring European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) support to local civil society and to discuss the EU strategy in Africa.
The deligation stayed in Ethiopia from 27-31 May is composed of President Luca Jahier, Jaroslaw Mulewicz (Chair of EESC ACP-EU Follow-up Committee) and Carlos Trindade (Chair of EESC Permanent Group on Migration), according to the press statement from EU offcie in Addis Ababa.
With the European Union giving increasing importance to its relations with Africa as a strategic
partner, Luca Jahier decided to lead a first presidential mission to Ethiopia, a country with a crucial
role in the Horn of Africa and with the potential to become a true “African lion”. The new government under the lead of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has introduced important economic and social reforms and signed a peace agreement with Eritrea, thus contributing to the political and economic stability of the region.
During the visit the delegation met with several government Ministers (Ms Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs; Ms Yalern Tsegay, Minister of Women, Children and Youth; Ms Misgana Araga, State Minister of Trade and Industry; Ms Muferiat Kamil, Minister of Peace). The discussions focused on Ethiopian reforms, including new labour laws, the new Refugee Proclamation, combatting gender based violence, woman entrepreneurship and political participation and industrial development.
During the meeting with Ms El Fadil, African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs, a commitment was made to strengthen cooperation between EESC and AU ECOSOC. Ms Birtukan Mideksa, Chairwoman of the National Election Board presented her ambitious plans for credible and peaceful election organisation.
The delegation also met with the regional offices of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the European Investment Bank (EIB), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and important Ethiopian and international civil society stakeholders and members of the business community to discuss labour, gender and socio-economic issues.
During a meeting with ARRA (Administration for Refugee & Returnee Affairs) and visits to the Nguenyyiel refugee camp in Gambella and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Transit Centre in Addis Abeba, the delegation learnt first-hand about the situation of refugees and internally displaced persons and host communities in Ethiopia.