The European Union in Mozambique marked Europe Day on 9th May hosting an official reception that celebrated the decades of partnership with Mozambique. The guest of honour was Mozambique´s Minister of Water and Fisheries, Mrs Lídia Cardoso, who, on behalf of the government, highlighted in her speech “the fruitful links between Mozambique and the EU and the multilateral cooperation involving the Member States and regional bodies such as SADC”. The Minister also mentioned EU´s support to challenges such as the COVID-19 response, post-cyclone reconstruction and support to national efforts in fighting terrorism in the north of the country.

EU Member States Ambassadors and representatives of the wider diplomatic community in Mozambique, other government officials, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, academics and international and local development partners were among the guests and an event that attracted wide media interest.

The EU Ambassador to Mozambique, Antonio Sánchez-Benedito Gaspar highlighted in his speech the commitment of the EU and the Member States particularly on contributing to Mozambique´s sustainable and inclusive growth, democracy and human rights, peace and stability and a long-lasting partnership and friendship. The Ambassador and Minister Cardoso made a toast to EU – Mozambique strong links, to peace and stability, and sustainable growth and prosperity.

The Europe day was celebrated with music by the Banda Kakana, which entertained the guests with local traditional “Marrabenta” music.

About Europe Day

Europe Day iscelebrated every year on 9^th May to highlight the importance of peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the Declaration in 1950 by the then French foreign minister Robert Schumann who proposed an economic partnership between France and Germany by combining coal and steel production. Schumann´s vision was to create a union within Europe that would make war between European nations unthinkable. The treaty of Rome was signed in 1957, making Schuman’s proposal a reality and marking the beginning of the European Union as it is today.