Building a future-proof partnership between the EU and Malawi

On Tuesday 10 May 2022, the European Union Delegation to Malawi, together with EU Member States and Honorary Consuls in Malawi, the Malawi Government, project partners, artists, entrepreneurs and media professionals came together to celebrate Europe Day under the EU’s motto, ‘United in Diversity’.

Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador Rune Skinnebach said Malawi and the EU stand side by side in many areas, and the nature of the relationship has continuously evolved since 1976, - from a traditional donor-beneficiary relationship to a more mature and political partnership in recent years. “Our joint efforts are guided by shared values, principles and interests, but also by a multi-annual plan focusing on three priority areas for the next six years, which is aligned with Malawi’s Vision 2063 – namely: green and resilient economic transformation, democratic and economic governance, and human development and social inclusion,” he said.

Ambassador Skinnebach added that Malawi is a country full of natural wealth, both on its land and under water. He said one element that truly sets Malawi apart is its people, and the enormous potential its youthful and peaceful population represents, and that this potential needs to be harnessed appropriately.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo conveyed a message of good will and best wishes to the European Union, from President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the Government, and the people of Malawi. She also condemned in strong words the Russian aggression against Ukraine, putting pressure on countries like Malawi, which depend heavily on imported fuel, food and fertiliser.

She said that over the years the EU has remained an instrumental partner in Malawi’s journey to achieving sustainable development. “As our biggest multilateral partner, the EU has, over the years, supported Malawi in strengthening governance institutions, particularly in the areas of justice, human rights and accountability. It has also worked with us in tackling pertinent and perennial challenges like climate change,” she said.

EU in Malawi outlined several activities to mark this year’s Europe Day commemoration. Among them was a successful Euro Film Festival, a trivia engagement with the youth, a mural that was commissioned to a local artist to celebrate the partnership and a number of online activities such as cooking classes by EU colleagues.