The EU may lift visa restrictions on Ethiopia by May 2024, improving diplomatic relations and addressing previous visa issues. Discussions on reinstating financial aid and concerns regarding human rights and conflicts in the Amhara region are ongoing, with calls for international assistance highlighted by EU Ambassador Sophie Frommsberger.
The European Union (EU) is contemplating the removal of visa restrictions on Ethiopia by May 2024. These restrictions, enacted in April 2024, complicated the visa acquisition process for Ethiopians, increasing the waiting time from 15 to 45 working days and imposing fees even on holders of diplomatic and service passports.
EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sophie Frommsberger, indicated that the relationship between Ethiopia and the EU is on an upward trajectory. She stated, “Trust has been built to bring the Ethiopian government and the European Union… back on track through constructive dialogue,” highlighting improvements following tensions caused by the conflict in northern Ethiopia.
The visa restrictions were initially implemented due to Ethiopia’s failure to repatriate citizens whose asylum requests in Europe were denied. However, cooperation is reportedly improving, with Ethiopian embassies in Europe engaging with the EU to resolve these matters. The ambassador noted, “It is on our agenda. The Ethiopian government… has shown great progress in accordance with international law.”
Discussions are also underway concerning the possibility of reinstating financial aid to Ethiopia, which had been suspended during the northern conflict. While there is expressed interest in re-establishing support, no definitive decision has been made yet. Furthermore, the EU remains concerned about ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, advocating for negotiations among all involved parties.
Moreover, at a recent UN meeting, concerns related to human rights in Ethiopia were expressed, emphasizing the need for collective international support. The ambassador remarked that the EU cannot fully substitute for aid lost when the United States, under former President Donald Trump, reduced its contributions. She has called for a united international effort to assist Ethiopia.
The European Union is considering lifting visa restrictions on Ethiopia as diplomatic relations improve. Ambassador Sophie Frommsberger emphasized the collaborative efforts between the Ethiopian government and EU to resolve visa issues and restore financial aid. Ongoing human rights concerns and conflicts, particularly in the Amhara region, remain priorities for the EU, which is advocating for peace and international support for Ethiopia.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
