3rd Partnership Dialogue between Eswatini and European Union celebrates 50 years of engagement towards shared prosperity
The Dialogue was co-chaired by EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, and the Eswatini Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Shakantu.
The presence of several EU Member States Ambassadors accredited to Eswatini underlined the comprehensive Team Europe approach to this vital partnership.
EU in Eswatini
Key Outcomes and Areas of Cooperation
Discussions were held upon several of EU-OACPS priority areas for cooperation, including governance, human rights and democracy; peace and security; human and social development; inclusive sustainable economic growth; digital and science policy. The agenda was comprehensive, ensuring alignment with Eswatini's national development priorities and the Government’s Programme of Action.
Regional and International Context: With conflicts increasing worldwide since the last Partnership Dialogue in 2025, both sides discussed the current challenges to peace and security and reiterated their commitment to defending effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order.
EU in Eswatini
Economic, Trade, and Investment: Both sides committed to fostering stronger trade and investment ties by leveraging the full potential of the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, as well as the EU’s current cooperation priority in Eswatini on market-driven skills development and youth empowerment, in addition to numerous ongoing bilateral and regional programmes. The partners discussed future potential opportunities under the EU's Global Gateway strategy as well as bilateral cooperation.
Good Governance, Rule of Law and Fundamental Freedoms: The parties discussed about preparations to the 4th cycle of the Universal Period Review of Eswatini, welcomed the numerous advancements on the area of governance, rule of law and fundamental freedoms, but also the work in progress. Options to provide additional assistance, support and expert advice were discussed, including possibly institutional capacity-building and the strengthening of the rule of law.
Digital and Science Policy: With the ambition of Eswatini to become a first world status nation, the parties discussed about the potential of digital and science to transform Eswatini into a knowledge-based economy and the various EU support instruments on this matter, including in support of academic exchange and encouraging scientific cooperation, both bilaterally as well as under relevant EU Programmes ERASMUS and HORIZON.
Looking Ahead
The Partnership Dialogue is a key mechanism, under the Samoa Agreement, for deepening cooperation for the mutual benefit of both parties. Both Eswatini and the European Union expressed confidence that these open exchanges will accelerate concrete, impactful action, ultimately supporting the Kingdom's drive toward realizing the national vision of attaining first world status through sustained and inclusive growth.
The next Partnership Dialogue will be held in 2027 on a date to be mutually agreed upon.
