Message of the EU Delegation in Ethiopia

Message of the EU Delegation in Ethiopia

Happy New Year 2018 to all Ethiopians. The completion of the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam is a key moment for Ethiopia's development and energy transition.

Over 250 million citizens of the Blue Nile Basin stand to benefit from mutual agreement between the riparian states on cooperation, sustainable development and equitable use of the Nile's water resources. It will create predictability, and open the door for foreign investments in energy, food security and water security.

The EU continues to strongly encourage dialogue towards a mutually agreed solution among all relevant parties on the dam's operation and management. This should respect the vital interests of neighboring countries and contribute to the stability, and shared prosperity of all riparian states across the Nile Basin.

The EU stands ready to engage and support further talks between the parties by offering its experience in the management of shared water resources.

For the new Ethiopian year 2018 and beyond, the EU wishes all Ethiopians peace, prosperity and continued progress - for the benefit of the country and the entire Nile Basin region.