Maputo, May 29, 2026 (Lusa) – Belgian MEP Hilde Vautmans announced on Friday in an interview with Lusa in Maputo that she will propose a European Parliament debate on the EU relationship with Mozambique, asserting that the country remains "strategic".
"We will try to hold a debate on the EU-Mozambique relationship in the Strasbourg plenary session and then vote on a resolution with recommendations. I think it is a matter that is in our hands. This partnership is of strategic importance. We must carry out a parliamentary follow-up," said Vautmans, who serves as the spokesperson for the European Parliament's Committee on Development delegation.
Four MEPs from this committee have been in Mozambique since Tuesday to assess the impact of EU support. The bloc has already allocated €975 million to the nation in recent years through European funds and the European Investment Bank.
"And I think that parliament also needs to work together with the parliament of Mozambique, especially because we had an observation mission here [for the 2024 elections] with a series of recommendations," added Vautmans, who also chairs the Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly.
Mozambique held general elections on 9 October 2024, drawing criticism regarding process transparency from several observation missions, including those from the EU and the European Parliament. The mission's final report included a series of recommendations. Five months of protests and social unrest followed the elections, resulting in more than 400 deaths, mostly in clashes with the police. These conflicts culminated in a dialogue process, with authorities announcing reforms, including constitutional changes, to be implemented within two years to restore peace.
Hilde Vautmans confirmed that she questioned Mozambique's foreign minister, Maria Manuela Lucas, during a meeting on Thursday, regarding whether the country would consider the election observation mission's recommendations.
"She said yes, but of course I cannot control that yet. We are not seeing the results yet. She said we will need two more years, which I understand, because when you want to reform a system, you need time. But I promise you, as an MEP, we will follow up on the recommendations. It was our colleagues who wrote them. It is my duty to follow up," she said.
"But it is also necessary for parliament to be ready to help implement those recommendations. We can help bring them to fruition," she added, expressing belief that Mozambican authorities will take the recommendations into account during the next electoral cycle: "Yes, I felt the will to make a change."
She left no doubt about the significance of the country to the EU, noting its role as a global supplier of gas and minerals.
"Let us be very clear and open: Mozambique is indeed a partner of strategic interest for Europe," she stated.
Vautmans said that "Europe is investing heavily in Mozambique" as a partner, whilst also providing humanitarian aid during critical times and development support. She highlighted the +Emprego (more jobs) programme, implemented by the Camões Institute, in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, an area hit by terrorist attacks since 2017 which she recently visited.
"I was very impressed. I have visited many projects, but these really made a difference in the lives of many young people. They really broke the vicious circle of poverty, the vicious circle of not having a future, they gave people, young people, hope and optimism. So I think the project that Europe is supporting makes a big difference. Is it enough? It is never enough because there are still people suffering. But we need an integrated approach," she said.
"I think Europe is not proud enough of what we are doing. I think Europe, I always say this in Belgium, Europe needs a good public relations officer," she concluded.
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Lusa
