Where to now with the EU?

The bloc noted that Zimbabwe now has a democratic constitution and has shown some will to engage in international governance practice, and resolved that, barring any serious breaches by President Robert Mugabe’s government, it would resume direct economic interaction with Harare.

In the past decade the EU has used non-state agencies to promote development in our country. It has now removed most of the individuals and institutions that had been placed on its restrictive measures list because of human rights abuses. The list will be further reviewed next February.

There has been a loud silence on the part of government regarding this impending and crucial development. We are concerned that government is yet to see the significance of reengaging with the western bloc or just does not care. By this time—considering that the re-engagement is about a week away—government should have spelt out significant policies in order to accommodate the EU.

It needs to tell us how it is going to adjust to the new overture as a way of optimising the gains the country should reap from this development. Government should articulate new frameworks to be used in the re-engagement process. Which ministries and departments will play focal roles once there is direct engagement once again? How will Zimbabwe relate with the EU in order to promote and sustain foreign direct investment that should result from this re-engagement?

Is Harare going to make attitude changes in its foreign policy in order to become friendlier to the EU? How will the government handle hostile policies and laws pertaining to black empowerment and how will it treat the hot issue of bilateral property agreements? These are some of the questions which need answers.

We should not continue to politicise our relations with the EU for selfish and political gains. It is obvious that re-engagement will bring a host of advantages, among them increased trade, more support to government programmes, greater investment and a boost in Zimbabwe’s image.