Remarks of the Deputy Chairperson of the

African Union Commission,

H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi

EU Day Celebration

3 APRIL 2025

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

• Excellency Amb. Javier Perez, Head of the EU Delegation to the African Union,
• 
  H.E Mr. Ahmed Shede, Minister of Finance of the Federal Democratic Republic Of Ethiopia
• 
  Ambassador of the European Union to Ethiopia, H.E. Mrs. Sofie From-Emmesberger,
• 
  Excellencies, Ambassadors of AU and EU Member States,
• 
  Excellencies members of the diplomatic community, Heads of International Organisations,
• 
  Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a distinct honour to join you today as we celebrate EU Day. This year holds special significance as we commemorate the 25th Anniversary of our strategic cooperation—a partnership founded on shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Today is indeed an opportunity to celebrate the enduring partnership between the African Union and the European Union.

I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Amb. Javier and the entire EU team for orchestrating this celebration.

For 25 years, the AU and the EU have stood together in addressing global challenges, fostering economic growth, and promoting stability across our continents. This partnership has evolved into a model of intercontinental cooperation, demonstrating what can be accomplished when Africa and Europe work together.

As Africa advances its Agenda 2063 aspirations The African Union appreciates partners who recognize and support our continent's own defined priorities and development trajectory.

Excellencies, in these times of geopolitical uncertainties and challenges to multilateralism, our cooperation is more crucial than ever.

During our recent AU-EU Summit, we identified four key priority areas to guide our continued cooperation:

1. A Prosperous and Sustainable Africa and Europe,
2. A Renewed Commitment to Peace and Security,
3. An Enhanced Partnership for Migration and Mobility,
4. A Firm Commitment to Multilateralism.

As we gather today, we also look ahead to the 3rd AU-EU Ministerial Meeting to be held in Brussels on 21 May 2025. This meeting will serve as yet another important opportunity to assess our progress reaffirm our commitments and outline a bold path forward. The African Union is fully prepared to engage constructively to ensure its success.

Let us take the opportunity of this occasion and the upcoming Ministerial meeting to be held in May, to reflect on how far we have come together and envision how much further we can advance when Africa and Europe collaborate as partners.

When we work together, we can forge a future of shared prosperity, stability, and global solidarity.

Thank you all for your unwavering commitment to this partnership. I wish you a joyful and inspiring EU Day celebration.

Thank you.