Dili, Sept. 15, 2025 (Lusa) - MEP Francisco Assis stated in Dili on Monday that the reduction of the European Union's presence in Timor-Leste is a serious concern, especially at a time when there is a significant decline in the United States' development support.
Socialist Francisco Assis is leading a delegation from the European Parliament that began a visit to Dili today, during which meetings are planned with the Timorese authorities, cooperation partners, ambassadors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), civil society, Timorese students and universities and economic organisations.
Questioned by Lusa about the reduction in the presence of the European Union representation in the country, Francisco Assis said it was a "serious problem".
"It's a serious problem, not least because some members of the delegation will be relocated to Jakarta. This reveals a certain lack of understanding on the part of the European Commission of the uniqueness of this situation," he said.
Francisco Assis also emphasised that despite the good relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, the Timorese had been victims of an invasion and "there is a living memory of that invasion".
"I think this is a bad decision by the European Commission," he said, emphasising that he has already requested a meeting with the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to discuss the matter.
"I think there needs to be a concerted effort in the European Parliament and at the government level. The Portuguese government itself, I think, will be sensitised to the importance of not disqualifying, not downgrading our delegation here in Timor-Leste, because that would be a bad decision and a bad signal," he said.
According to the MEP, the issue should be addressed in the conversations they will have during their visit to Timor-Leste.
"But we are very concerned, especially at a time when the Americans are devaluing their support. As we know, there has been a major retraction in American development aid," he said.
Francisco Assis also considered that the downgrading of a delegation is a "signal that is absolutely contrary to what has been the dominant discourse of the European Union in recent months".
Regarding the mission of MEPs to Timor-Leste, Francisco Assis explained that it is a "very important area for the European Union, where important changes are taking place".
"There is a great divide, as we know, between Europeans and Americans, which I hope is momentary, but Europe itself feels a little isolated in the world and needs to strengthen these links," explained Francisco Assis.
'Timor-Leste can play an important role in relations with the whole region and we, the European Union, wanted to give that signal and that's why we came here", he added.
MSE/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
