EU Celebrates Europe Day and a Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Trust and Shared Ambition with Sierra Leone

The high-level event brought together a galaxy of high-profile personalities including the private sector, the diplomatic community, civil society, the media and government officials, underscoring both the historic depth and future ambitions of the partnership. 

Delivering his statement at the reception, the EU Ambassador in Sierra Leone, Jacek Jankowski, recalled the original vision behind Europe Day, tracing it back to May 9, 1950, when French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman bet that long-standing adversaries could be transformed into permanent, peaceful partners bound by shared interests and fundamental values. 

Ambassador Jankowski noted that Sierra Leone, having turned the page on its own darkest historical chapters to firmly choose dialogue and institutional unity over deep social division—embodies that very same spirit. 

EU in Sierra Leone

“Sierra Leone and Europe have shared a lot — history, struggle for peace and development, resilience, and this year, we mark the golden jubilee of a partnership that we celebrate tonight. And tonight, we renew our commitment to it,” said EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski. 

He highlighted the enduirng and historic partnership between Sierra Leone and the European Union, which spans over 50 years. Over the last five decades, this connection has evolved from traditional development assistance into a more strategic partnership built on mutual respect, shared global responsibilities and shared values including democracy, peace, sustainable development, and regional stability, and has seen tangible progress over the past five decades.

Over the golden jubilee of cooperation, Ambassador Jankwoski said the European Union has invested a solid €1.7 billion into Sierra Leone. Notably, this includes nearly half a billion euros delivered as direct grants to the national budget. 

On Business and Investments, he underscored that the European Union is a solid business partner for Sierra Leone and is keen to see Sierra Leone develop into a more attractive destination for European investment, and an ever more important supplier to the European single market.

To directly facilitate private sector growth, he announced the imminent launch of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone. This corporate milestone coincides with the 25th anniversary of the landmark "Everything But Arms" (EBA) trade policy, which continues to grant Sierra Leonean products duty-free and quota-free entry into the vast European single market. 

He commended the leadership of Sierra Leone's President as the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, noting that while West Africa faces multiple and serious threats, the current strategic approach is the right direction.

Highlighting the transparency defining the partnership, Ambassador Jankowski constructively brought forward active security concerns, including regional drugs trafficking and the registration of approximately 90 commercial vessels flying the Sierra Leonean flag that currently belong to the Russian shadow fleet. 

He maintained that since 2002, Sierra Leone has held five regular elections all observed by the EU, reaffirming its democratic commitments,  despite internal upheavals such as civil war, Ebola outbreaks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He emphasized that the EU remains a reliable partner, ready to support Sierra Leone’s development goals, but that support depends on the country’s ability to uphold the standards of transparency, lawfulness, and accountability.

Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, reflected on the country’s journey and its aspirations for the future. He commemorated 50 years of partnership with the EU, emphasizing that this relationship has been built on mutual respect and shared development goals.

EU in Sierra Leone

“For five decades, the European Union has remained a steadfast and reliable partner to Sierra Leone. We value the important role played by the European Union and other international partners in supporting democratic institutions, electoral processes, justice sector reforms and civil engagement in Sierra Leone over the years,” Minister Kabba noted.

Kabba highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen regional security, including active participation within ECOWAS to combat terrorism and transnational crime.

He also stressed Sierra Leone’s commitment to democratic governance, human rights, and national unity, thanking the EU for its support in reforming institutions and promoting civil society over the years.

Minister Kabba expressed optimism that continued collaboration, grounded in mutual respect and shared objectives, can lead to sustainable growth and regional stability. “Our partnership with the EU is vital for our development agenda,” he said. “We remain committed to working together to build a peaceful, prosperous Sierra Leone.”

According to him, the institutional cooperation stands fully aligned with President Bio's governance masterplan, specifically supporting the government's “Big Five Game Changers” agenda, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Looking to the future, both partners highlighted the EU’s Global Gateway initiative as the primary engine for upcoming strategic investments. The forward-looking framework aims to close critical infrastructure gaps, accelerate the green and digital transitions, enhance regional transport connectivity, and build sustainable agricultural value chains.

On global matters, both parties reaffirmed their strong convergence on the defence of international law, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity regarding the conflict in Ukraine. 

The celebration was climaxed with the cutting of the jubilee anniversary cake by Ambassador Jankowski, Ambassadors of Germany, Ireland, and France, alongside Minister Kabba. 

The evening concluded with cultural performances by Sierra Leone’s National Dance Troupe, followed by live music from the Groovy Colours band, celebrate half a century of unity, friendship, and shared ambition.