''The EU Council decision in July to suspend the measures restricting development cooperation was a significant event in the process towards normalised relations between the EU and Zimbabwe. It represents a major shift in approach, enabling the EU to develop assistance programmes in direct cooperation with the Government,'' said Ambassador Aldo Dell'Ariccia, the Head of the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe.
Following the Council decision, the EU Delegation has been working with the Government to develop a Country Strategy Paper for the next cycle of EU development aid for Zimbabwe. The visit from the technical staff from the EU Headquarters in Brussels this week will bring expertise on different subjects, including on development cooperation, humanitarian aid and trade, in order to contribute to this important process.
Since the establishment of the Government of National Unity, the EU and its member states have provided US$ 1 billion in development assistance with emphasis on supporting the provision of social services and food security, reinforcing democratic institutions, and fostering economic recovery.