Europe Day 2026: EU Reaffirms Commitment to Peace, Partnerships and Investment in Namibia

Speaking at the Europe Day Reception in Windhoek, held alongside the second edition of the Namibia–EU Business Forum, EU Ambassador to Namibia, H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins, underlined the importance of partnerships in addressing today’s global challenges and advancing shared prosperity.

“Europe Day is not only about who we are, but also about what we do, together with our Member States and partners worldwide,” Ambassador Martins said, reflecting on the values that continue to shape the European Union more than seven decades after the historic Schuman Declaration.

Standing for peace in an increasingly uncertain world

Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, the Ambassador stressed that the European Union remains committed to defending peace, stability and a rules-based international order.

She noted that the EU continues to support diplomatic efforts and humanitarian responses in regions affected by conflict, including Ukraine, the Middle East, Gaza and Sudan, emphasising that lasting peace requires dialogue, multilateral cooperation and respect for international law.

Quoting António Costa, Ambassador Martins highlighted Europe’s commitment to diplomacy: “Europe’s way of doing things; diplomacy, multilateralism, and respect for international law, delivers results. It delivers peace.”

The Ambassador reiterated that no country can address today’s global challenges alone, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to working with international partners to promote peace and security.

Strengthening partnerships with Africa

A central focus of the address was the European Union’s long-term partnership with Africa, described as a cornerstone of the EU’s external engagement.

Ambassador Martins underscored the importance of cooperation on climate action, digital transformation, sustainable development and economic resilience, noting that the EU’s engagement across Africa is supported through the Global Gateway strategy and Team Europe initiatives designed to mobilise investment, skills and sustainable growth.

She highlighted the renewed commitment made at the EU–African Union Summit in Luanda, where leaders reaffirmed shared ambitions to advance prosperity, multilateralism, and peace and security.

The EU also remains Africa’s largest trading and investment partner, with trade relations increasingly focused on supporting industrialisation, local value addition and job creation.

Investing in Namibia’s green industrial future

The speech placed particular emphasis on Namibia’s growing role as a green industrial and logistics hub, supported through the Namibia–EU Strategic Partnership on Green Hydrogen and Critical Raw Materials launched in 2022.

According to Ambassador Martins, Team Europe has mobilised €1.2 billion in grants and loans expected to leverage more than €20 billion in private investment, helping translate shared ambitions into concrete projects.

European-supported investments in clean energy and green industrialisation, including projects such as Cleanergy and HyIron; are helping position Namibia at the forefront of the green transition while supporting quality jobs and long-term economic growth.

The Ambassador also highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation on transport infrastructure, including ports and railways, which could strengthen Namibia’s position as a regional green logistics hub.

“At the heart of our partnership is a shared ambition to create opportunities for young people,” she said, pointing to new vocational skills initiatives aimed at preparing Namibian youth for emerging industries.

A partnership delivering results

The growing economic relationship between Namibia and the European Union continues to produce tangible benefits. Through the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement, Namibia enjoys duty-free access to the European market, supporting export growth and diversification.

Beyond trade volumes, the partnership is increasingly focused on value addition, investment and sustainable job creation across sectors including agriculture, fisheries, charcoal, renewable energy and green manufacturing.

As Europe Day celebrations coincided with the Namibia–EU Business Forum, Ambassador Martins emphasised the importance of turning opportunity into concrete investment decisions through collaboration between governments, businesses and financial institutions.

“As we celebrate Europe Day, we are not only reflecting on the past, we are also making a choice about the future: a future where partnerships deliver real results for people,” she concluded.