Belgian MEP Hilde Vautmans announced last week in Maputo that she will propose a debate in the European Parliament on the European Union (EU)’s relations with Mozambique, stating that the country remains “strategic.”
“We will try to promote a debate on the relationship between the EU and Mozambique in the plenary session in Strasbourg, and then vote on a resolution with recommendations. I think this is an issue that is in our hands, as this partnership is of strategic importance and we must ensure parliamentary follow-up on this matter,” Vautmans said, speaking as spokesperson for the European Parliament’s Development Committee delegation.
According to Lusa, four MEPs from this committee visited Mozambique from Tuesday, May 26, to assess the impact of EU support, noting that the bloc has already allocated €975 million to the country in recent years through European funds and the European Investment Bank.
Hilde Vautmans said the European Parliament needs to work in coordination with its Mozambican counterpart, particularly regarding the implementation of recommendations issued in the context of the 2024 general elections, which resulted in violent protests and deaths.
“It is necessary for Parliament to be ready to help implement those recommendations. We believe that together we can achieve this so that everything is aligned by the next electoral cycle,” she said.
Vautmans also stressed that Europe is heavily investing in Mozambique as a partner, in addition to providing humanitarian aid in critical moments and development support. She highlighted the importance of the “+Emprego Project” implemented by the Camões Institute in Cabo Delgado province, in northern Mozambique, a region affected by terrorist attacks since 2017.
“I was very impressed. I have already visited many projects in Mozambique that have truly made a difference in the lives of many young people. They have broken the vicious cycle of poverty and lack of future prospects, giving people hope and optimism. I think the project supported by Europe makes a real difference, but we need an integrated approach,” she concluded.
The EU maintains a strong partnership with Mozambique, having invested more than €600 million since 2021 in areas such as ecological transition, youth, governance, and social peace. It also plans to provide €41.5 million in humanitarian aid by the end of this year, following floods that affected the country.
