1.Zimbabwe is going through a multifaceted, prolonged and
deep crisis. The transition in Zimbabwe nevertheless opened doors for economic
and political reforms which the then newly elected Government committed to
implement. The European Union (EU) remains ready to support these policies, as
underlined in the Council Conclusions adopted on 22January 2018. Seizing
opportunities for real transformation would facilitate steps towards deeper
re-engagement of the EU, based on mutual commitments and shared values in line
with the 2030 Agenda, and focused on human rights, democracy, governance and
the rule of law.
2.The EU is engaged on the basis of the Government's own
agenda, in line with the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe, as well as the
recommendations of both the Motlanthe Commission on post-electoral violence and
the Final Report of the EU Electoral Observation Mission to Zimbabwe. The EU
welcomes the resumption of a formal political dialogue in 2019, as a step
towards a more constructive EU-Zimbabwe relationship.
3.The lack of substantial reforms, the further shrinking of
democratic space and corruption, have however contributed to the current
deteriorating humanitarian crisis and to theeconomic and social situation.
4.The EU calls on the government to accelerate the
political and economic reform process as a matter of urgency, for the benefit
of its population. Perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses should
swiftly be brought to justice and the recommendations of the Motlanthe
Commission of Inquiry should be implemented without further delay. In addition,
an inclusive national dialogue is key to finding structural and durable
solutions to the challenges faced by Zimbabwe.
5. Sound political and economic governance are paramount if
the business and investment climate in Zimbabwe is to be improved, and
inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development are to be achieved.
The Economic Partnership Agreement, applied since 2012, remains a driver to
attract both foreign and domestic investment.
6.Zimbabwe is currently experiencing an acute humanitarian
crisis, including a severe foodsecurity emergency further exacerbated by
climate change. The EU is supporting the people of Zimbabwe in various sectors,
such as economic development, primary health care, resilience building, as well
as through humanitarian assistance. To that end, the EU
has stepped up its
support substantially since 2019.
7.The EU has decided to renew its arms embargo and to
maintain a targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence
Industries, for one year, taking into account the situation in Zimbabwe,
including the yet to be investigated alleged role of the armed and security
forces in human rights abuses. The restrictive measures against four
individuals are suspended. The arms embargo, as well as the asset freeze
against Zimbabwe Defence Industries, do not affect the Zimbabwean economy,
foreign direct investment, or trade. They are motivated by the EU's intention
to encourage a demonstrable commitment by the Zimbabwean authorities to
upholding the rule of law and human rights.
8.The EU is ready to review the whole range of its policies
at any time, when justified, based on developments in the country. The EU will
seek increased collaboration with international partners, most importantly the
African Union, SADC and its member countries, and international financial
institutions, who can play a key role by supporting Zimbabwe in enabling an
inclusive dialogue and in accelerating progress in
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